TANOH ALIAS OBENG vs. THE REPUBLIC

The appellant herein was convicted by the Circuit Court, Kumasi, on two counts of stealing N¢800.00 contrary to section 124 of the Criminal Code, 1960 (Act 29), and causing unlawful damage to a police docket contrary to section 172 (1) (a) of Act 29. He was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment with hard labour on the stealing count and two years’ imprisonment with hard labour on the unlawful damage count. The sentences were to run concurrently but to commence at the expiration of a term of ten years’ imprisonment with hard labour which the appellant was serving in respect of another offence. It is against these convictions and sentences that the appellant has lodged his appeal. The facts of the case founding the stealing charge are that the appellant is said to be in the habit of assisting the complainant who though an illiterate is said to be able to sign his name. The appellant it is alleged normally fills in the complainant’s cheques for him before he signs them for pr...