The Accra Circuit presided over Evelyn Asamoah has fined Lawrence Nana Asiamah Hanson alias Bulldog 4,000 penalty units (GH¢48,000.00) in default of 40 days imprisonment.
The court found him guilty on offence of conduct conducive to the breach of peace.
Despite, pleading not guilty to the offence, the court held that the prosecution led by Chief Inspector Simon Apiorsornu, was able to establish Bulldog’s guilty, after nearly two years of trial.
The sentence follows an unguarded statement made by Bulldog while participating in a discussion about Menzgold on a live entertainment programme on United Television (UTV) on January 9, 2021.
According to the court, Bulldog was quoted as saying a democratically elected President, President Akufo-Addo, will not finish his second term in office if he fails to pay Menzgold customers.
Mrs Asamoah read as part of her judgement, in the open court, the sentiments that were expressed by viewers of the live show, including “Bulldog comment is a threat to the President.”
The court held that Bulldog was knowledgeable of the issue being discussed, but there was no precaution in his choice of language used.
Her Honour also explained that for an offence to merit provocation and a breach of peace, it must be made at a public place.
This, she said, though UTV is privately owned, it is a national television and the show was viewed by thousands across the globe.
The court also made reference to an answer by the UTV Showbiz host, Nana McBrown that Bulldog’s comment was not appropriate, when she appeared before it.
Bulldog on the show failed to retract the statement and put up a defence that he was only appealing to the conscience of the public.
Prayer
The noncustodial sentence was granted on a prayer of Lord Delvin Essandoh, holding Jerry Avenorgbo’s (counsel for bulldog) brief.
Counsel had argued that Bulldog is a first-time offender, well-known member of the society, has four children; the youngest one being 3 years and the oldest, 4. He is also the breadwinner of his family, and that the tendency of this case has taught him a great lesson to know what to say and what not to say.
Similarly, Bulldog has health issues regarding his heart and other parts of his body.
He also prayed the court that the offence brought against Bulldog is misdemeanour and considering his remorsefulness, he should be granted noncustodial sentence.
About Bulldog
Bulldog is artiste manager and a graphic designer. He was arrested on January 11, 2021 by the police and handed over to the National Intelligence Bureau.
