In a recent ruling by the Tarkwa Circuit Court, 19-year-old carpenter Francis Cudjoe has been handed a 50-year prison sentence for the defilement of a Primary Two pupil. The severity of the crime is reflected in the consecutive 25-year sentences imposed for each count of defilement, relating to offenses committed in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Cudjoe, who initially pleaded guilty with an explanation, saw his plea overruled by the court. Prior to the sentencing, he expressed remorse, acknowledging his wrongdoing and appealing for forgiveness, particularly from the victim's mother who was present in court.
The court heard that Cudjoe, a close friend of the victim's family, abused the trust placed in him by the victim's mother, who operated a chop bar where Cudjoe frequently assisted. Exploiting this relationship, Cudjoe clandestinely entered the victim's room to engage in sexual activity since 2023. The egregious nature of his actions was further revealed when, in March 2024, he again assaulted the victim while her mother was attending church.
The matter came to light when teachers at the victim's school, suspecting Cudjoe's misconduct based on his close association with the victim, confronted her. Subsequently, it was disclosed that Cudjoe had been engaging in sexual acts with her since 2023. This revelation prompted the teachers to alert the victim's mother, leading to the involvement of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Tarkwa.
Following the report, Cudjoe was apprehended and detained to facilitate investigations. The victim underwent a medical examination at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital, with the findings documented and provided to the police as part of the inquiry.
The sentencing of Francis Cudjoe serves as a sobering reminder of the grave consequences of such abhorrent actions. It also underscores the importance of vigilance and swift intervention in safeguarding vulnerable members of society. The court's decision reflects a commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that perpetrators of such despicable crimes are held accountable for their actions.
In a recent ruling by the Tarkwa Circuit Court, 19-year-old carpenter Francis Cudjoe has been handed a 50-year prison sentence for the defilement of a Primary Two pupil. The severity of the crime is reflected in the consecutive 25-year sentences imposed for each count of defilement, relating to offenses committed in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Cudjoe, who initially pleaded guilty with an explanation, saw his plea overruled by the court. Prior to the sentencing, he expressed remorse, acknowledging his wrongdoing and appealing for forgiveness, particularly from the victim's mother who was present in court.
The court heard that Cudjoe, a close friend of the victim's family, abused the trust placed in him by the victim's mother, who operated a chop bar where Cudjoe frequently assisted. Exploiting this relationship, Cudjoe clandestinely entered the victim's room to engage in sexual activity since 2023. The egregious nature of his actions was further revealed when, in March 2024, he again assaulted the victim while her mother was attending church.
The matter came to light when teachers at the victim's school, suspecting Cudjoe's misconduct based on his close association with the victim, confronted her. Subsequently, it was disclosed that Cudjoe had been engaging in sexual acts with her since 2023. This revelation prompted the teachers to alert the victim's mother, leading to the involvement of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) in Tarkwa.
Following the report, Cudjoe was apprehended and detained to facilitate investigations. The victim underwent a medical examination at the Tarkwa Municipal Hospital, with the findings documented and provided to the police as part of the inquiry.
The sentencing of Francis Cudjoe serves as a sobering reminder of the grave consequences of such abhorrent actions. It also underscores the importance of vigilance and swift intervention in safeguarding vulnerable members of society. The court's decision reflects a commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that perpetrators of such despicable crimes are held accountable for their actions.
As we contemplate this distressing case, our thoughts are with the young victim and her family. It is our hope that they may find solace and support in the midst of this ordeal. Additionally, let this serve as a call to action for communities to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting those who may be susceptible to exploitation and harm.
-source GNA | curated by Aisha Yakubu | GhanaCrimes
