Actress Rosemond Alade Brown popularly known as Akuapem Poloo has been released from the Nsawam Prison after paying her fine of 1000 penalty unit equivalent to (GHc12, 000) as a replacement for her 90 days custodial sentence.
The actress, who was released this morning is currently on her way to reunite with her family.
The fine was paid to the Judicial Service and receipt of payment dated December 16, 2021 was issued in her lawyers led by Andrew Kudzo Vortia.
Custodial sentence overturned
A three-member panel of the Court of Appeal Wednesday, December 15, reversed the 90 days jail term imposed on her.
This was after the prosecution had indicated to the court that, the Republic does not opposed to both the application for bail and the substantive appeal.
Lawyers of the actress led by Andrew Kudzo Vortia argued that the 90-day custodial sentence was harshed and prayed for it to be replaced with a fine.
Akuapem Poloo was on April 16 sentenced to 90 days in jail after she pleaded guilty to three charges.
On December 1, the High Court dismissed her first appeal to have the decision reversed.
In court on Wednesday, December 15, the panel chaired by His Lordship Justice Henry Anthony Kwoffie said, even though the 90 days sentence was right, they are minded to replace it with a fine.
“We have decided to take the substantive appeal regarding the submission filed by learned counsel of the Appellant and the fact that the Republic does not oppose,” the court said.
The panel added that, it took into consideration the scale of sentencing, and “we have taken the view that the sentence was fair.”
However said, it took into consideration the interest of the seven-year-old son and the fact that, he will need parental care.
The panel also considered the fact that, the convict is a single mother and has shown remorse since her conviction.
While describing the incident which led to the custodial sentence as “foolish ways” the court hoped that, “she will learn a good lesson of what she has gone through.”
To this end, the court imposed a fine of 1000 penalty (GHc12,000) on count A and 500 (GHc6, 000) penalty units each on counts 2 (and 3 (12, 000) to run concurrently.
Per the decision of the Court Akuapem Poloo will only pay GHc12, 000 to be out of jail.
The court said, if she default in payment, she will serve a term of 90 days in hard labour.
