January 30, 2019
By Hassan Gbassay Koroma
The call-over judge of the 2019 Criminal Session at the High Court of Sierra Leone, Justice Alusine Sesay, has stated in an open court that he would not grant bail to any accused that is standing trial in his court for the offence of sexual penetration.
Sexual penetration matters are on the increase in the country and top the 2019 Criminal Session, with one hundred and four (104) cases out of one hundred and seventeen (117) criminal cases that were registered.
The call-over, which commenced on Monday, 28th January, revealed that sexual penetration has over the years been on the increase. There have been a substantial registered number of cases of sexual penetration, with men penetrating girls below age eighteen.
Justice Sesay made the commitment in an open court when a matter involving Hassan Mansaray, a 51 years old man, who was alleged to have penetrated a girl below the age of 18 years contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act of 2012,was mentioned.
“I am not talking about other judges but I will not grant bail to any accused that is standing trial in my court for the offence of sexual penetration. You are a big man and I am seeing you right now like my uncle but no amount of tears will make me grant you bail for this kind of offence,” he said.
He added that something has to be done to put a stop to the act in the country and protect the little girls.