Lawyer Richard Asare Baffour made a heartfelt plea to the Circuit Court in Accra, urging the presiding judge to consider the family and future of Evangelist Patricia Asiedua, popularly known as Nana Agradaa, before imposing a harsh custodial sentence.
His client was on Thursday sentenced to 15 years in prison for defrauding by false pretence and fined GH¢300 for charlatanic advertisement.
In an emotional appeal to Her Honour Evelyn Asamoah, Baffour said, "We humbly approach your mercy seat and, on bended knees, pray that you temper justice with mercy. "A custodial sentence may shatter the dream of this young lady who wants to be a lawyer… The last born is just three years old and will need the care and attention of her mother." He also argued that Agradaa had suffered enough during the nearly three years of legal proceedings, describing her as a first-time offender and urging the court to show leniency. "We honestly believe that participating in this trial for the past three years is punishment enough," he added.
However, the prosecution quickly rebutted that claim.
