October 18, 2016 By Hassan Gbassay Koroma
The presiding magistrate at the Freetown Magistrates’ Court No.1, Dr. Abou Bhakarr Binneh-Kamara, yesterday granted bail in the sum of fifty million Leones plus one surety each to Phyllis Steven and Regina Steven. The duo is before his court on two count charges of conspiracy and kidnapping, contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
He further ordered that the sureties should surrender their National Passports and that they should be residents in Freetown.
The prosecution alleges that the duo on Monday, 5th September, 2016 at Ward 4, Princess Christian Maternal Hospital (PCMH) conspired with other unknown individuals to commit a felony by unlawfully taking away a one-day old baby without his consent.
Both accused persons made their first appearance in court on 13th October, 2016 with Associate Magistrate presiding at that time, Lyndonette Macauley, ordering that they be remanded at the Female Correctional Centre on Jomo Kenyatta Road in Freetown.
In his bail application for the accused persons, Lawyer Elvis Kargbo told the court that the offences for which his clients are standing trial were bailable.
He added that they had been granted bail during police investigations and that they did not jump bail, as they peaceful availed themselves in court to answer to the charges.
“My Lord we are willing and ready to defend these accused persons. I am giving you my word that if you grant them bail they will neither jump bail nor will they interfere with prosecution witnesses. My Lord, these accused persons have reliable and responsible sureties that are willing and ready to stand in for them,” he said.
The Police arrested five suspects after they received a report about the alleged incident on Monday, 5th September, but only charged two to court.
With the help of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras installed at the facility, investigators they were able to identify the alleged child trafficker.