A 60-year-old man, Doe Fianu, has been sentenced to 20 years imprisonment with hard labor for manslaughter. Fianu pleaded guilty to the charge after shooting his wife, Grace Yorker Torku, in the head and vagina following an argument over a phone call from a male caller.
Case Details
The incident occurred on May 26, 2023, at the couple’s home, where their 4-year-old son witnessed the shooting. Fianu was charged with manslaughter and possession of firearms without lawful authority. He pleaded guilty to both counts, with the manslaughter charge carrying a potentially lesser sentence than murder.
Court’s Decision
The High Court in Accra, presided over by Justice Kizita Naa Koowa Quarshie, convicted Fianu of both counts. The court considered several factors before imposing the sentence, including Fianu’s guilty plea, his status as a first-time offender, and his remorse.
Sentence
The court sentenced Fianu to 20 years for manslaughter and 10 years for possession of firearms without lawful authority. Both sentences will be served concurrently, meaning Fianu will serve a total of 20 years in hard labor at the Nsawam Prison.
Impact on the Family
The court acknowledged the severity of the offense and its impact on the couple’s children, particularly the 4-year-old son who witnessed the incident. The prosecution had urged the court to impose a sentence of no less than 30 years, while Fianu’s lawyers argued for mitigation.