A 40-year-old trader, Veronica Djoazaa, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labor for manslaughter after causing the death of Anthony Apurum.
The High Court, presided over by Her Ladyship Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, delivered the sentencing after a full trial that lasted four years.
A seven-member jury found Veronica guilty of manslaughter, contrary to Section 46 of the Criminal Offences Act 1960 (Act 29).
Incident and Trial
According to the prosecution, Veronica intentionally and unlawfully caused harm to Anthony Apurum when she threw an empty crate at him.
The crate struck his head, leading to fatal injuries.
The prosecution called six witnesses to establish its case, while Veronica’s defense, presented only one witness—her brother.
Sentencing and Plea for Mercy
Before the sentencing, Justice Yanzuh invited Veronica to speak. In an emotional plea, she begged the court for leniency, explaining that she had no one to care for her two-year-old daughter.
However, the court, considering the gravity of the offense and the evidence presented, handed down the 10-year sentence with hard labor.
Background of the Case
The prosecution informed the court that the complainant, Anthony Apurum, aged 48, is now deceased prior to his death, Anthony was a public servant living with his family in Zenu, Ashaiman.
The accused, Veronica Dịoazaa, aged 40, is a drinking spot operator also residing in Zenu, Ashaiman.
On October 2, 2021, at approximately 7:30 PM, Anthony visited Veronica’s drinking spot to purchase a bottle of alcoholic drink.
While drinking a bottle of Guinness, a misunderstanding erupted between the deceased and the suspect. In the heat of the argument, Veronica picked up an empty Coca-Cola crate and threw it at Anthony.
The court heard that the crate struck Anthony’s head, causing severe injuries and resulting in profuse bleeding.
Anthony reported the incident to the police and was issued a medical form to seek treatment at a hospital.
He was treated the same day and discharged, submitting the endorsed medical form to the police.
However, on October 8, 2021, Anthony’s condition worsened, and he was rushed to Tema General Hospital. Despite being admitted for treatment, Anthony tragically passed away while under care.
On October 12, 2021, a post-mortem examination was conducted on Anthony’s body by Dr. Eric Dumfeh, a pathologist at Tema General Hospital.
The pathologist concluded that the cause of death was: Cerebral Oedema with Tonsillar Herniation, Contre-Coup Cerebral Contusion and Blunt Head Trauma.
The pathologist classified the death as unnatural.
The prosecution further informed the court that on the same day, Veronica Dịoazaa was arrested to assist with the investigation.
Police took her to the crime scene, where the empty Coca-Cola crate, which had been used in the assault, was retrieved and retained as evidence.