The High Court in Accra presided over by Justice Merilyn Wood has refused a bail application filed by Mr. Prince Charles Dedjoe, the businessman who is alleged to have assaulted his wife, Mrs. Lilian Dedjeo leading to her death.
According to the Court, it is not convinced that Mr. Dedjeo would make himself available for trial when granted bail, due to the severity and seriousness of the punishment that goes with such an offense hence its refusal to grant the application.
Moving the application for bail pending trial, lawyer for the accused, Captain Retired Nkrabea Effah Dateh based his application on 10 grounds.
It was his case that, the High Court had the authority to grant bail based on the Supreme Court decision in a case led by lawyer Martin Kpebu, Capt Retired Effah Dartey also averred that the Constitution of Ghana under Article 19 (2) provides that a person is innocent until otherwise proven and that every innocent person has the liberty to walk free.
The lawyer further held that, the applicant has a permanent residential address at East Legon and that he could be traced anytime the Court deemed fit.
He said the applicant is also the bread winner of his family, and had two wives, one of whom is alleged to have been assaulted to death and that he needs to fend for his other wife and four children, and cannot do that now, since his freedom has been curtailed.
Prosecuting, Assistant State Attorney, Madam Selasie Kuwornu, was opposed to the application for bail. She said her opposition was based on undoubted investigation.
She argued that, on the balance of interest of the accused, the state and others, it would be best he is kept in custody for his own safety interest.
Madam Kuwornu, told the court the issue of domestic violence has become prevalent, some of which have led to the loss of lives, such as the one before the Court.
The State Attorney further argued that, the defense lawyer overlooked the aspect of the case which detailed where the late Mrs. Lilian Dedjeo was found.
She concluded by saying that, it may be in the interest of the applicant that he remained in custody following events that ensued after the incident.
