October 17, 2016 By Hawa Amara
One Michael Jackson, a police officer attached to the Wilberforce police post was on Thursday remanded at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road for an alleged sexual penetration of sixteen years old boy.
The accused was arraigned at the Freetown Magistrates’ Court No.1 presided over by Magistrate Dr.Abou Bhakarr Binneh-Kamara on one count of sexual penetration, contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act No.12 of 2012.
According to the particulars of offence, the accused on Wednesday 20 July, 2016 at Wilberforce police post did engage in an act of sexual penetration with a boy under the age of 18 to wit 16 years old.
In his testimony, police constable (PC) 13425 Tamba Moisay attached to the Wilberforce police post told the court that while on duty on the day of the alleged incident, a case of fraudulent conversion was reported and assigned to him for investigation.
He testified that he took statement from the complainant and other witnesses, while he handed over the suspect (now victim) to the accused.
PC 13425 Moisay explained that the complainant later came and informed him that he wanted to withdraw the matter due to family pressure.
He said he withdrew the file after obtaining withdrawal statement from the complainant, adding that the latter further informed him that the victim had shared with him some pieces of information regarding the accused.
The witness continued that the victim alleged that he was sexually abused by the accused while he was in police custody, but he initially denied the allegation.
The witness further testified that he was instructed by the Operation Commander, a certain Detective Inspector Cole to accompany the accused to the Congo Cross Police Station, adding that on their way, the accused told him that he only penetrated the victim between his two legs and not in his anus.
He said the accused pleaded for the victim to forgive him, while he promised to take care of his medication.
The witness said they went to the Congo Cross police and handed over the accused to the CID department, while he wrote a report.
The matter continues on 18 October, 2016 for further hearing.