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Akuapem Poloo
Akua Poloo appeals 90-day jail sentence

Akuapem Poloo appeals 90-day jail sentence, files for bail

Actress, Rosemond Alade Brown, aka Akuapem Poloo, has appealed the 90-day jail term handed her for publishing an obscene photograph on social media.

The notice of appeal was filed Monday (April 19, 2021) by Poloo’s lawyer, Mr Andrews Vortia, at the Accra High Court [Criminal Court 2 Division].

Brown was jailed last Friday by the Accra Circuit Court, presided over by Ms Christiana Mann, for publishing a nude picture of herself in which she (Brown) was looking at her son.

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Grounds of Appeal

Akuapem Poloo is premising her appeal on two grounds

Firstly, she argues that she was a first time offender and therefore the Circuit Court should had considered her plea of guilty as a mitigating factor when imposing the sentence.

Secondly, the convicted actress argues that the trial judge should had imposed a fine on her instead of a custodial sentence.

Bail

Meanwhile, Akuapem Poloo has also filed an application for bail pending the determination of her appeal.

Her legal team is expected to move the motion of notice of appeal and the bail on Wednesday , April 21, this year at the Accra High Court.

Jail sentence

She was last Friday sentenced to 90 days imprisonment by the Accra Circuit Court for publishing her nude picture in which she was standing beside her son on social media, reports Graphic Online' Justice Agbenorsi.

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Read alsoWhy court jailed Akuapem Poloo 3 months for publishing obscene photos

The judge held that it was necessary to impose a custodial sentence on Akuapem Poloo to serve as a deterrent to those who continue to post obscene images.

She stated that the prevalence of publication of materials had the potential to corrupt public morals, affect the best interest of children, violate the right to privacy, as well as the country's moral image needed to be curbed.

Guilty

The actress pleaded guilty to publication of obscene material contrary to the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), engaging in domestic violence, namely a conduct that, in any way, undermined another person's privacy or integrity, contrary to Section 1(d) (iii) and 3(2) of the Domestic Violence Act, 2007 (Act732), and engaging in domestic violence, namely conduct that, in any way, detracted or was likely to detract from another person's dignity and worth as a human being, contrary to Act 732.

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Brown had initially pleaded not guilty to the charges, but changed her plea to guilty last Tuesday.

The court, however, deferred the sentencing to yesterday to allow for a pregnancy test to be conducted on the convict in compliance with section 313A (1) of the Criminal and Other Offences (Procedure) Act, 1960 (Act30).

The pregnancy test came out negative.

Birthday celebration

Per the case presented by the prosecution on June 30, last year, Brown, as part of the celebration of her son's seventh birthday, posted her nude picture on her social media handles in which her son was looking directly at her.

The caption beneath the picture read: “I am naked in front of you because this is how naked I was giving birth to you, so in case you find me lying somewhere, don't pass by, but see me as your mum who brought you to life”.

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The picture attracted many comments on social media.

Brown ended up in the clutches of the law following a complaint lodged to the police by the Director of Child Rights International Ghana, Mr Bright K Appiah.

Plea for mitigation

Counsel for Brown, Mr Vortia, in his plea of mitigation against a custodial sentence for his client, argued that Akuapem Poloo was a budding actress and a first time offender, adding that “a custodial sentence will kill her career entirely.”

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It was also his plea that his client was a single parent and the bread winner of her family hence a custodial sentence would inflict more punishment on her son.

Again, counsel argued that first time offenders should be given a second opportunity to reform.

Mr Vortia also prayed the court to consider the fact that his client pleaded guilty simplicita which did not waste the court's time.

He argued that Akuapem Poloo's choice and style of dressing had also changed ever since she was first arraigned.

“She has pulled down the nude pictures and apologised to both the public and her seven-year-old son,” he said.

To further firm up his arguments against a custodial sentence, counsel again invited the court to consider media publication about his client's charity works with a recent one being undertaken at her alma mater.

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For her part, the prosecutor, Chief Inspector Agartha Asantewaa, who also prayed against custodial sentence, said the actress was not known to be a troublemaker.

Court's consideration

In passing sentence, the judge said she took all the mitigating factors into consideration.

Ms Cann, however, expressed concern about consistent abuse of children in the country, and the incessant rise in publication of obscene images.

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Justifying a custodial sentence, she held that Brown did not only infringe on the rights of the child with the publication, but it morally corrupted those who saw the post and also cost the pride and dignity of the country as a whole.

“The court is bothered with posting nude photos on social media. There is no doubt that apart from the canker of rape, defilement, physical assault, the publication of obscene materials is on the increase.

“There is, therefore, the need to uphold our societal values and deal with this canker. The best interest of the child shall be the primary concern of the court,” Ms Cann said.

She asked: “Did she ask for the permission of the child before posting the said picture? Did she respect the child's rights?”

Providing an answer to the questions, the judge said: “No she did not.”

The judge further noted that Akuapem Poloo had a basic responsibility for the development of her son but rather infringed on her son's best interest, right to privacy and dignity.

Ms Cann added that sentencing of Brown must not only be punitive but must serve as a deterrent to society.

“A custodial sentence will serve as a deterrent,” the presiding judge held.

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