By Francis H. Murray
Lawyers representing convicted former Defence Minister Alfred Palo Conteh have filed a note of motion to the Court of Appeal to ask for an extension of time to file and serve the appellant’s synopsis of argument in respect of his appeal before the court.
Addressing Court of Appeal Judges on Tuesday 13th October 2020, lawyer Wara Serry Kamal said that the necessary work on the synopsis had been completed but couldn’t be filed as the lead defence counsel for the appellant, Dr. Abdulai Conteh was out of the country on medical leave and therefore couldn’t vet the synopsis, prior to service.
She added that the application was supported by an affidavit sworn to and dated 11 September 2020, which she relied on entirely.
Lawyer Kamal further told the court that no injustice would arise from granting the said application, adding that if there was anybody to be hurt by the request, it was their client (Palo) who she said was well aware of and understood the decision.
She added that the application was made pursuant to the court’s inherent jurisdiction to regulate its own rules and determine its own processes.
The application followed an earlier decision reached at by the Court of Appeal which dismissed Palo’s bail pending application in respect of an ongoing appeal against his conviction.
Palo is serving a twenty-four month jail term for illegal possession of firearms.
State defendant Easmon Ngakui raised no object to the application.
Presiding judge, Ansumana Ivan Sesay granted the said application for an extension of time within which they should file and serve the synopsis of their argument forthwith and added that the respondent must reply to the application and serve both the court and the appellant within 14 days after receipt of the same.
The matter was adjourned to 3rd November 2020.
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