By Francis H. Murray
Lawyers representing jailed former Defense Minister Alfred Paolo Conteh have appeared before the Court of Appeal in Freetown for the commencement of an appeal hearing following his conviction for illegal possession of firms and taking same to a public place.
Dr. Abdulai Conteh, representing the Applicant Appellant, in a brief statement expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of his client in court, calling it ‘‘lamentable and regrettable.’’
The matter is being presided over by Court of Appeal judges Ivan Ansunanah Sesay, Tonia Barnett and Bintu Aladi.
In his response, Justice Sesay noted that they had considered security concerns and would give both parties an adjournment to ensure that the appellant was present by the next hearing. He said no reasons were given by the defendant for the appellant’s absence.
When asked by the judge whether they had Paolo Conteh in the custody of the Correctional Services, Officer in Charge Daniel Davies confirmed that the appellant was in their facility.
Respondent Joseph K. Sesay didn’t object to the decision for the appellant to be present at the next adjournment.
Justice Sesay ordered that a production order be prepared for the attention of the Director of Correctional Services to ensure that the appellant is present the 4th of August.
Copyright © 2020 Politico Online
