An Accra Circuit Court has sentenced a 33-year-old preacher, Christopher Kofi Okyere Sorkpa, to five years in prison for vandalizing vehicles parked at Parliament House.

Sorkpa pleaded guilty to six counts of conspiracy and causing unlawful damage, leading to his sentencing by Judge Samuel Bright Asiedu.

His accomplice, 41-year-old Wisdom Ahli, who faces similar charges, has been remanded in police custody, pending amendments to his charges.

The case for Ahli has been adjourned to January 9, 2025.

The prosecution, led by Superintendent Augustine Yirenkyi, provided details of the incident.

According to the prosecution, the complainants, Inspector Adu Yeboah and Aaron Awuah, are police officers stationed at Parliament House.

On the morning of December 18, 2024, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Sorkpa and Ahli allegedly sneaked into the car park of Parliament House.

Armed with a handbag concealing an earth chisel, Sorkpa used the tool to shatter the windscreens of five vehicles, including two Toyota V8s, two Toyota Camry sedans, and a Rav 4 SUV.

These vehicles belonged to Members of Parliament and Parliamentary Service staff.

Ahli reportedly cheered on Sorkpa during the act.

Both men were apprehended on the scene and admitted to the crime in their caution statements, given in the presence of an independent witness.

During the hearing, Superintendent Yirenkyi explained that the prosecution had completed its investigation, leading to the arraignment of the accused.

While Sorkpa admitted his guilt, Ahli’s charges required amendments, prompting the court to adjourn his case.

Judge Samuel Bright Asiedu, in sentencing Sorkpa, emphasized the seriousness of the offence, which targeted state property and disrupted public order.

Ahli remains in police custody as the court prepares to hear his case next year.