REPUBLIC VRS. DOKU (74/24) [2025] GHACC 30 (29 April 2025)

REPUBLIC VRS. DOKU (74/24) [2025] GHACC 30 (29 April 2025)

The prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused, Stephen Tetteh Doku, had sexual intercourse with the 11-year-old victim, constituting defilement, and also assaulted her by strangling her neck, as corroborated by medical evidence and consistent witness testimony. The accused's inconsistent statements undermined his credibility, and the statutory requirements for both offences were met.

Citation
[2025] GHACC 30
Parties
Prosecution: The Republic; Accused: Stephen Tetteh Doku
Court
Circuit Court
Jurisdiction
Ghana
Judgment Date
29 April 2025
Case Number
74/24
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Judgment
Outcome
conviction and sentencing
Legal Topics
Defilement, Assault, Burden of Proof, Sentencing, Evidence, Sexual Offences Against Children
Source Language
English
Criminal Law Child Protection Defilement Assault Burden of Proof Sentencing Evidence Sexual Offences Against Children

Case Brief

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Parties

The Republic

Prosecution

Stephen Tetteh Doku

Accused

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the accused committed defilement of a child under 16 years
  2. 2 Whether the accused committed assault on the victim
  3. 3 Whether the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt

Ratio Decidendi

The prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused, Stephen Tetteh Doku, had sexual intercourse with the 11-year-old victim, constituting defilement, and also assaulted her by strangling her neck, as corroborated by medical evidence and consistent witness testimony. The accused's inconsistent statements undermined his credibility, and the statutory requirements for both offences were met.

Court Disposition

conviction and sentencing

Orders

  • Accused convicted of defilement and assault
  • Sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for assault and 17 years imprisonment for defilement, sentences to run concurrently