Atiku Apedo, 38, a businessman at Segbe-Junction who broke into a neighbour's room to steal a handbag containing Gh¢1,400 and CFA 500,000 was on Wednesday jailed eight year by an Aflao Circuit Court.
He was arrested hiding in a guesthouse at Anlo-Afiadenyigba, near Keta, some 35 kilometers away from Segbe-Junction.
Apedo who pleaded guilty was given eight years each for unlawful damage, unlawful entry and stealing, but the prison term would run concurrently.
Kosi Mensah Bagume, Agorsu Adadzi and Fofo Makata in the dock with Apedo for complicity were discharged for lack of evidence.
Mr Francis Agbogli, Chief Inspector of Police at Agbozume, told the court presided over by Group Captain Martin Obeng-Ntim that the complainant, a lady trader, and the convict resided in the same area.
He said at about 1940 hours on March 16, this year, the complainant left for a church service nearby, leaving her handbag containing the monies on her bed.
Mr Agbogli said Apedo, under the cover of noise, emanating from a generator being used by the church, following a power outage, broke into the room of the complainant through the window and made away with the handbag and its contents.
He said when the complainant complained about the theft on her return, passers-by hinted that they saw Apedo lurking in her compound during her absence.
Mr Agbogli said police investigations led to the arrest of Apedo in his hideout with the handbag still in his possession.
He said Apedo had GH ¢ 330 and CFA 496 of the stolen amount left on him.