‘I’m not guilty’ – Father who ‘brutalized’ three-year old for bed wetting granted GH₵30k bail

The father accused of physically assaulting his three-year old boy for bed wetting has pleaded not guilty in a Kumasi circuit court.

Ebenezer Osei Bonsu, reportedly, whipped his toddler with a belt and power cables for urinating in bed.

When put before court, Thursday, May 14, 2020, the 30-year old national service personnel pleaded not guilty to the charges of causing harm and assault. His legal counsel, Samuel Amofa Kodua, prayed the court to grant the suspect bail.

Three-year-old boy hospitalised after father whipped him with belt, cable for bed wetting

This application was however, countered by the prosecutors who argued the suspect does not live in Kumasi and could abscond if granted bail.

The prosecutors also argued that the suspect if granted bail, could be a threat to the mother of the child and the victim himself. When the judge returned from suspension of sittings, she granted the suspect a bail of GH₵30,000 with three sureties.

The judge explained that it would do the accused person more harm than good should he be remanded into prison or police custody during this era of coronavirus outbreak.

Family of the mother of the three-year old victim were unhappy with the decision of the court. They said the mother will remain unsafe as long as the accused is free to roam in Kumasi.

The victim, Junior (not his real name), is currently battling severe wounds spread all over his back, hands and thighs at the Manhyia government hospital in the Ashanti Region as a result of the assault.

Meanwhile, the Department of Social Welfare in the region has taken over the case including the medical expenses of the victim.

The Department said it is also engaging the services of a psychologist to observe and counsel the victim and his mother.

A social development officer at the department, Godfred Abogo told JoyNews, “we asked the hospital to continue to do whatever they’re doing to keep the child stable and to keep on admission for at least a week more”.