Accra, Aug. 25, GNA- A 53-year-old Basket Ball Coach who allegedly defrauded a banker of GH¢25,000.00 under the pretext of renting out a shop to her at Cow Lane in Accra but failed, has appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.
Samuel Tagoe is said to have told the Police that he used the money to pay his medical bills and invested some into his electrical business.
Charged with defrauding by false pretences, Tagoe pleaded not guilty before the Court presided over by Mrs. Ellen Ofei Ayeh.
The Court admitted the accused to bail in the sum of GH¢25,000.00 with three sureties, one of whom should be a public servant earning not less than GH¢1,000.00.
It further ordered the prosecution to file its disclosures and witness statements within 21 days.
The matter has been adjourned to September 25, for Case Management Conference.
Prosecuting, General Sergeant Thomas Sarfo said the complainant Madam Gifty Ho rpt Ho resides in a suburb in Accra, whilst the accused also known as Sammy resides at Adabraka, in Accra.
Sergeant Sarfo said in the first week of March this year, Tagoe told the complainant that he had a vacant shop at Cow Lane, near Opera Square in Accra for rent.
The prosecution said the accused convinced the complainant and managed to collect GH¢25,000.00 as rent advance.
He said the accused after taking the money failed to rent out the shop to the complainant and went into hiding.
Prosecution said during Police investigations it came to light that the shop in question belongs to the accused’s family and same had been rented out to one Mr. Ofori about 18 months ago and that Tagoe had also collected cash in the sum of GH¢37,000.00.
The prosecution said on August 20, this year, a complaint was lodged with the Regional Criminal Investigations Department, Accra and Tagoe was smoked out of his hideout.
He said in the course of investigations Tagoe admitted the offence and said that he collected the money and invested part into his electrical business and used the rest to pay his medical bills.
GNA