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Editor-in-Chief of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr. is pleading with State authorities not to punish Josephine Panyin Mensah, the suspect in the fake pregnancy story.

Mrs. Panyin Mensah was arraigned before the Takoradi Circuit Court for charges of deceit of public officer, publication of false news with intent to cause fear and panic.

She has been granted bail to the sum of GHC 50,000 but is still in Police custody for not being able to meet the bail conditions.

Speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, Kwesi Pratt appealed to the authorities to take the woman through psychological therapy to assess her mental health.

To him, Mrs. Panyin Mensah is only a disturbed woman caught up in a difficult situation, so doesn't deserve prosecution.

"Maybe if this woman undergoes psychological evaluation, we will realize she needs help. Maybe she hasn't balanced well. Because if you do a psychological evaluation, you will know she doesn't have to go to court but rather take her to the hospital. These are the small things we should consider so that you don't punish innocent people. For all you know, this is an innocent woman.

"If she's disturbed, why do you punish her for being disturbed. Do you get punished when you contract malaria? . . . Let's ensure we don't worsen the woman's condition," he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi.