37-year-old footballer, Ishmael Osei was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment at the Cape Coast Prison for defiling a girl whom he claims was an adult.
The inmate, who is left with seven months of his sentence, said a team mate introduced the girl to her whiles they were camping and preparing for a tournament at Konongo in the Eastern Region. He said they fell in love and in the process had an affair which got the girl pregnant.
“I got to know the girl through one of my friends. The girl has her body parts developed so I felt she was an adult and was fit for me to move with. After the tournament I came back to Accra only to hear that she was pregnant. I was arrested in Accra and charged for defilement by the police”. He narrated.
“The judge said if the issue could not be resolved at home, then he will sentence me to twelve years imprisonment which he did. I couldn’t hire a lawyer because my father said he can’t afford their services.” Osei told crimecheckghana.
He said his father told him the girl has given birth to twins who are seven years old but he is yet to name them. His imprisonment, according to him has ruined his football career and therefore it will be difficult to cater for his children when he comes out of prison.
“What makes me very sad is the time I have wasted in prison. I cannot play football again because of my age. However, I have learnt sewing but do not have a capital so I am appealing to the public to support me establish a sewing business to enable me cater for the children.” He appealed.
Mr. Osei advised his colleagues and other young footballers to take a cue from his story so that they do not have their careers ruined. Crime Check Foundation, CCF’s Petty Offenders project has paid the fines of more than 600 petty offenders facilitating their release
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