December 7, 2017 By Memunatu Bangura
One Mohamed Sesay was yesterday sentenced to ten years imprisonment by Justice Monfred Sesay for robbing one Mabinty Kamara.
“Having heard the plea of the accused person and considering the fact that he is a first time offender and furthermore a student, and for timely appearance and arrival of community members including PW4 and PW5, the convict would have done something worse to his victim (Mabinty Kamara). The spate of robbery is increasing in the country especially in Freetown. I hereby sentence this accused person to ten years in prison with effect from the date of his arrest and detention,” Justice Sesay ordered.
The accused was charged with one count of robbery contrary to section 23(2) of the Larceny Act, 1916 as repealed and replaced by section 2 of the Imperial Statues (Criminal Law) Adoption (Amendment) Act 1971, Act No.16 of 1971.
The police had alleged that the convict in the morning hours of 29th August, 2016, pursued and attacked Mabinty Kamara and robbed her off one mobile phone cost two hundred and fifty thousand Leones.
According to court file, the convict attempted to fend off others who wanted to assist the victim after a distress call, but he was eventually overpowered and subsequently arrested and taken to a police station where he admitted that he had an encounter with the victim.
He however denied robbing the complainant and instead alleged that he only assisted her in locating the position of the grinders.
Mohamed was indicted on the 5th May, 2016, but he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Justice Sesay said the prosecution has proven and established the offence of robbery, and that sufficient evidence has been led beyond all reasonable doubt to support the allegations and to warrant a conviction.
He also said the prosecution summoned and examined five witnesses to prove the case against the convict.
“It is respectfully submitted that the court determines in respect of the allegation in the indictment, whether the Prosecution has proved its case and whether it is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt on the basis of the whole of the evidence,” he said.