Painter sentenced to three years for laptop theft

A 25-year-old painter has been handed a three-year prison sentence after being found guilty of stealing a laptop from an office in La Kojo Sardine, Accra.

Appearing before an Accra Circuit Court on Thursday, Kelvin Boateng pleaded guilty to charges of unlawful entry and theft. Presiding over the case, Judge Christina Cann convicted him based on his plea.

As the verdict was delivered, Boateng broke down in tears while being handcuffed and escorted out of the courtroom to begin his sentence.

Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, who led the prosecution, stated that the complainant, Mc Dennis Appau, a graphic designer, resides in La Kojo Sardine, while Boateng lives in Agbogboloshie.

The incident occurred on the morning of December 31, 2024, around 10:30 AM. Appau and a witness were working in their office when Boateng scaled the fence wall, entered the premises, and took an HP laptop from one of the rooms.

However, as Boateng attempted to leave, a witness spotted him and raised an alarm. He fled the scene with the stolen laptop and hid in an unfinished building nearby.

Following a swift search effort, Appau and other witnesses tracked him down and retrieved the laptop. Boateng was subsequently arrested and taken to the police station for further questioning.

During interrogation, he admitted to the crime, leading to his conviction and sentencing.