Accra: An American woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison with hard labour by an Accra Circuit Court for her involvement in a car snatching incident. Skylah Leeann Marine Travis expressed remorse for the crime, stating she feels bad for hurting the victim alongside her fianc©.

According to Ghana News Agency, Travis, who was jailed with her Liberian fianc© Daniel Ireland, had her sentence deferred pending a pregnancy test, which came out negative. She is now set to commence her prison term. Travis apologized to the victim, mentioning that she and her fianc© were not in their right minds at the time of the crime, as they were in Ghana seeking rehabilitation for drug issues.

Travis admitted to conspiring with Ireland to rob an online Bolt driver of his vehicle but denied allegations of stabbing him. Both were ordered to pay GHC6,000 each to the victim as compensation by January 31, 2025. Ireland, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy, robbery, and causing harm, was sentenced on January 15, 2025, to 10 years in prison with hard labour.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Oppong, prosecuting, informed the court that the complainant, a Bolt driver from Ayi Mensah, Accra, was requested by the convicts to drive them from Labadi to Teshie. Upon arrival, Ireland attacked the driver with a knife, resulting in severe injuries, and robbed him of his vehicle and other possessions.

The complainant, who fell unconscious, was helped by a passer-by and later reported the incident to the police. During the investigation, it was discovered that the convicts had vacated their rented room. They were later arrested, leading to the recovery of the stolen vehicle.

The court considered the convicts' ages, their status as first offenders, and their claim of being under the influence of drugs. The judge advised them to seek rehabilitation after serving their sentences to reintegrate into society positively.