The High Court in Accra presided over by Justice Merelyn Wood has refused a bail application filed by Prince Charles Dedjoe, the man who is alleged to have murdered his wife.
Charles Dedjoe, a Business Executive is on a murder charge following allegation that he assaulted the wife Lillian Dedjoe, which led to her death.
The court while refusing the application said it is not convinced that the accused person would avail himself for trial when granted bail.
The court also ruled that looking at the severity and seriousness of the punishment that the offence comes with, the applicant will avail himself to stand trial.
The application for bail pending appeal was subsequently refused.
10 points argument
Moving the application for bail pending trial, his Lawyer Nkrabea Effah Dateh told the court that his application is founded on 10 grounds.
It was his case that, the High Court has the power and authority to grant bail based on the Martin Kpebuncase as per the ruling of the Supreme Court.
According to Counsel, the Constitution of Ghana especially Article 19 (2) expressly provides that a person is innocent and that every innocent person has the liberty to walk free.
Counsel argued that the applicant has a fixed place of abode and that he lives in his own house at East Legion. He argued that the applicant could be traced at any time.
Mr. Effah Dateh argued that the applicant is also the breadwinner of his small family. He argued that he has two wives but one is dead but has four children to take care of.
AG opposed
Selasie Kuwornu, Assistant State Attorney who vehemently opposed the application for bail said based on undoubted investigation, the AG has demonstrated that the applicant should not be admitted to bail.
She argued that, based on the balance of interest of the accused, the state and others, it would be best he is in custody for his own safety.
She argued that, the issue of domestic violence has become prevalent and some of which has led to death including this one.
The Assistant State Attorney argued that, based on well-considered Investigations, which the republic can prove when the trial begins, it best he is kept in custody.
The State Attorney further argued that counsel overlooked the aspect of the case which detailed we where the deceased was found.
She concluded by saying that, perhaps it may be in the interest of the applicant that he remained in custody because it is clear that looking at the happenings in the media, his safety will be at risk and prayed for the application to be refused.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Murtala Inusah
