Benjamin Lern Akpalu, a 29 year old teacher in Akrofu-Xeviwofe, a suburb of Ho in the Volta region is facing charges of sexual assaultt by the Ho Circuit Court.

Appearing before the court, Mr Akpalu stated repeatedly under cross examination that, his encounter with the 12 year old primary six pupil, who he is being accused of raping was not true.

He stated however, that, he had a consensual sex with the girl and therefore pleaded not guilty of defilement.

The presiding Judge,  Madam Priscilla Dikro dismissed that defence as “neither here nor there,” with regards to the girl’s age.

At the court yesterday, Mr Akpalu stated that, he was not the first person to have penetrated the young girl, adding that she took off her brassier willingly and he was the one who undressed her by removing her pant.

Recounting the incident at the court, Sergeant Clever Ayayee of the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) said that Akpalu earlier this year, invited the pupil to his residence at Sokode-Gbogame to tidy up his room, and gave her GH¢ 2 for transport.

Mr Aryayee further explained that, the 29 year old teacher had persuaded the girl and taken her into his room and defiled her.

He then gave an amount of GHC 2 as her transportation back home after threatening to punish her if she reported the incident to anyone.

However, contradicting what Mr Akpalu had told the court at hearing yesterday was the story the girl had earlier told the court about her encounter with her class teacher.

The girl also told the court that she felt extreme pain during the act with the teacher.

She further added that, she had initially told a female teacher back in school about her experience with her class teacher when the female teacher had become suspicious of what was between her and the accused.

The court has set May 22 for pronouncing judgement on the case.