A Circuit Court in Accra has sentenced Pastor Hammond Love affectionately called Pastor Love to prison terms for 48 months after being found guilty of stealing.
Pastor Love before his conviction had pleaded not guilty to the charge of stealing a Toyota Highlander 2013 in 2017.
But, seven years on after full trial, the Court presided over by His Honour Isaac Addo found him guilty and sentenced him to serve the punishment in hard labour.
According to the Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Maxwell Frimpong, the complainant Samuel Amankwah is a Businessman and a resident of the United States of America.
Whilst the accused (now convict) Hammond Love also known as Pastor Love is a Pastor and lives in Accra.
ASP Oppong said, in 2016, the complainant shipped Toyota Highlander 2013 model with chassis number STDBK3H3DS181410 into the country and tasked the accused (convict) to clear it.
The Prosecutor said, the accused (convict) used his own money and cleared the vehicle.
“After clearing the vehicle, the complainant told the accused (now convict) to sell the vehicle at $50,000 and deduct his duty money.
“The complainant later informed the accused not to sell the vehicle and that he will arrive in Ghana in April and pay his money,” the Prosecutor informed the Court.
The Prosecutor stated that, in April 2017, the complainant arrived in the country and contacted the accused for his vehicle.
“The accused could not produce the vehicle to the complainant upon several demands,” ASP Oppong stated.
The Prosecutor stated that on May 25, 2017, the complainant reported the case to the East Legon Police Station and the accused was arrested.
“During interrogation, the accused told Police that he secured a loan of GHC40,000 with 20% interest to clear the vehicle.
“That the loan was accruing more interest so he sold the vehicle without the consent of the complainant at GH¢80,000 and gave GHC70,000 to the loan company,” the Prosecution noted.
“The accused could not lead Police to the said loan company to ascertain the truth or otherwise.
“He also did not show the person who bought the vehicle,” the Prosecution told the Court.
The Prosecutor said, “after investigations, he was charged with the offence and arraigned before this Honourable court.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Murtala Inusah
