S v Acolatse (B7/13/2023) [2025] GHADC 205 (19 March 2025)

S v Acolatse (B7/13/2023) [2025] GHADC 205 (19 March 2025)

The accused raised a reasonable doubt as to her guilt by consistently denying appropriation of the bag and by highlighting inconsistencies in the complainant's account, particularly the absence of evidence that the accused left the stall with the bag. The prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused dishonestly appropriated the complainant's property.

Citation
[2025] GHADC 205
Parties
Prosecution: The Republic; Accused: Bertha Acolatse; Complainant: Love Larnor
Court
District Court
Jurisdiction
Ghana
Judgment Date
19 March 2025
Case Number
B7/13/2023
Procedural Posture
Criminal / Judgment
Outcome
Acquittal and discharge
Legal Topics
Stealing, Burden of Proof, Reasonable Doubt
Source Language
English
Criminal Law Stealing Burden of Proof Reasonable Doubt

Case Brief

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Parties

The Republic

Prosecution

Bertha Acolatse

Accused

Love Larnor

Complainant

Procedural Posture

Criminal / Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the accused dishonestly appropriated property belonging to another, constituting stealing under Section 124(1) of Act 29
  2. 2 Whether the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt

Ratio Decidendi

The accused raised a reasonable doubt as to her guilt by consistently denying appropriation of the bag and by highlighting inconsistencies in the complainant's account, particularly the absence of evidence that the accused left the stall with the bag. The prosecution failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused dishonestly appropriated the complainant's property.

Court Disposition

Acquittal and discharge

Orders

  • The accused is acquitted and discharged.