By Saio Marrah
Lawyer Charles Campbell, representing three people facing seven counts of unlawful possession of drugs, has told Justice Momoh-Jah Stevens at the High Court in Freetown that his clients have remained on remand despite them meeting all bail conditions set by previous judges.
Abdul Kamara alias Bigitel and two others made their first appearance before Justice Stevens on Friday 21st June, 2024.
Lawyer Campbell told the court that the matter started before a magistrate on 17th October and that preliminary investigations lasted until 28th October 2023 when the magistrate granted bail pending trial. He said the next day the magistrate withdrew the bail and committed the case to the High Court for trial with giving any reason for the withdrawal.
At the High Court, he said he applied for bail which was granted by Justice Unisa Kamara, following which they presented all the required documentation to the master and registrar, but the bail was not approved.
The lawyer said the case was then reassigned to Justice Amy Wright for trial but that by that time the state had presented two witnesses who were cross-examined. He said he re-applied for bail for the first accused, Bigitel, which was granted, and that it was approved by the master and registrar and that the accused was allowed to go home.
According to Lawyer Campbell, when the accused returned to court for trial, the prosecution produced another witness and the case was adjourned. He said he left the court only to be told by his junior colleague that the accused was re-arrested. Campbell said he then wrote a letter of complaint to the Chief Justice about the issue and renewed his bail application but his clients are still in remand.
At this point in the proceedings, the lead state prosecutor, Aruna Jalloh told the court that they intend to start all over again, not relying on what transpired before previous judges.
Justice Stevens said the court records written by the previous judge; Amy Wright is explicit enough for him to understand and continue but called on the prosecution to discuss the issue of starting the trial all over again with the Director of Public Prosecutions. He also told the state lawyer to have an agreement with the defence on the same issue taking into consideration the fact that the accused persons are not on bail.
Justice then told the lawyers that he was keen on speedy trial. The case resumes next Friday 28th June this year.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (26/06/24)
