A former contestant on the reality TV show “Mentor” has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of manslaughter.
Bismark Ato Foster was found guilty after a trial in which prosecutors argued that he was responsible for the death of another individual, Razak Mohammed at Nungua Coco-Beach on September 26, 2016.
The charges against him included murder and the use of an offensive weapon.
Bismark had originally been charged with second-degree murder, but the jury found him guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter.
Following deliberations, the jury reached a guilty verdict of manslaughter and the use of an offensive weapon against Foster.
Initially, the jury returned a 6-1 guilty verdict. However, after further deliberations, the jury found Foster guilty.
Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzuh, presiding over the case at Criminal Court ‘3,’ sentenced Foster to life imprisonment, as recommended by the jury.
Additionally, he was given a 25-year sentence for the use of the offensive weapon, both of which will be served concurrently.
Foster’s defense counsel made a plea for mitigation, citing his client’s first-time offender status and his good conduct throughout the trial.
Furthermore, the defense noted his commitment to attending all court proceedings.
The judge issued the life sentence to Foster, despite defense attorneys emphasising his young age, bright future, and claiming him to be a victim of circumstances.
The prosecution argued that the offense was serious, requiring a life sentence as a deterrent to others, and that the gun had been fired twice, implying intent.
After hearing both parties, Justice Mary Maame Ekue Yanzu handed down a life sentence.
Meanwhile, Foster’s legal team has declared they will launch an appeal against the conviction and sentence.