By Saio Marrah
Justice Monfred Sesay has sentenced one Alpha Kamara to five years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy and robbery. He changed his plea after the state amended the indictment. He was discharged on the count of conspiracy on Wednesday 15th November, 2023.
The 33 year old was indicted for stealing properties valued at NLe 8,496 (Eight thousand four hundred and ninety-six new Leones)
State Prosecutor Aruna Jalloh told the court that in the evening hours of 13th January 2023, the complainant, Cornelia Peters, was jogging along the Lumley Beach Road when the convict together with other people robbed her pack bag containing properties including her iPhone.
The court heard that the convict and his colleague ran into the golf club and the complainant then alerted the police who gave chase and arrested the convict but another of the thieves escaped with the bag. According to the prosecutor, the convict told the police that he was not among the thieves but had gone to the area to relieve himself.
Before handing down his sentence the judge invited the convict to address the court after which the convict told the judge that what he did was a mistake and that it was caused by temptation. The presiding judge became angry with the convict when he referred to him “bra” (a street language by which young people addresses themselves). Justice Sesay then said: “The convict has lost his plea of mercy by calling me “bra” ” and added “he has lost any iota of mercy I have for him.”
Legal Aid Board Lawyer, Randy S. Bangura who represented the convict told the judge that the convict was a first time offender with a child to look after. He said a long custodial sentence would affect the child’s education and health.
The defence also pleaded that the convict’ guilty plea has saved the court’s time and resources saying that the convict had already learnt his lesson during his over 10 months on remand.
On a separate issue, Justice Sesay called on the state prosecutor to investigate the condition of the food for prisoners at the main correctional center in Freetown. He said he had received many complaints about the quality of the food at Pademba road.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (17/11/23)
