The driver of a commercial mini bus and his mate who assaulted a policemen in a viral video have been fined GH¢1,800 penalty each by the Weija Circuit Court.
The court, presided over by Mr Bernard Bentil said the accused persons’ plea of self defence is not convincing hence the sentence.
The fine is equivalent to 150 penalty units each or in default, they will each suffer 12 months imprisonment.
But officials of the Greater Accra Secretariat of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) paid the fine on behalf of the two, Francis Buabeng and Albert Ansah.
A member of the defence team for the accused persons, Ms Cynthia Nimo Ampadu had earlier asked for leniency before the judgement was read, indicating the accused persons were first time offenders.
Mr Bentil, however, maintained the video was a pitiable sight to watch, adding that the content of the video was sufficient enough to reject their plea of self-defence.
Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Ms Ampadu explained that although her clients’ plea for self-defence was rejected, the court was merciful with the judgement.
The case gained national attention when a viral video showed the driver and his mate in a brawl with Constable Julius Mawuli Ekpe on the Mallam-Kasoa road in Accra.
The two were arrested on March 18, 2019, four days after the incident, and processed for court.
Buabeng said Constable Ekpe had assaulted him and his mate and that they fought back after being subjected to an unjustified attack.