GRi in Court 28 - 02 - 2000

Asamankese (Eastern Region), 28 February 2000

Emmanuel Tetteh, a 45-year-old farm labourer, who took large doses of akpeteshie and later destroyed seven barrels of fermented palm wine meant to distill more of the stuff has been sentenced to nine months in prison by an Asamankese circuit court.

Tetteh who confessed to he offense when he regained his senses is also to 1.5 million cedis or serve additional 18 months in prison.

Police Chief Inspector John Boateng told to court presided over by Mr S.S. Appiaj that on February 28, Emmanuel picked up a quarrel with Simon Tetteh, the distiller after he refused him free drink of akpeteshie.

After Simon left for town, Emmanuel sneaked back into his house, treated himself to huge quantities of the drink and then slashed open the barrels.

Simon on return suspected Emmanuel and he was picked up dosing in a drunken stupor.

Mr. Appiah ordered that 600,000 cedis of the fine, if paid, should be given to the distiller as compensation.

The judge described the behaviour of the accused as "callous since there was no justification for his action".

GRi