Justice Adrian Fisher has ordered 21-year-old Tejan Dickson to be taken into custody at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown for “recklessly laughing and mocking” a victim while he was in dock.

Dickson in the among seven accused persons before Justice Fisher to answer for seven count charges, including wounding with intent and malicious damage. All accused persons had been granted bail in court before the incident.

According to the police, Dickson, his mother and five other relatives had a dispute with some neighbours that escalated into a fight.

During the altercation, Dickson wounded Linda Macauley and caused damage to her property, including zinc, glass windows, and other household items, totalling four million, one hundred and fifty-five thousand old Leones (NLe 4,155.00).

Lawyer Ibrahim Bangura represented all accused persons, while State lawyer Solomon Kekura prosecuted the matter. Both lawyers had initially agreed to resolve the matter with the accused persons willing to compensate the complainants with one million old Leones (Nle 1,000,000)

However, Justice Fisher was on the verge of addressing both parties to encourage a peaceful resolution when Linda Macauley complained that Dickson was mocking and laughing at her even in court. She was struggling to fully stretch out one of her fingers that Dickson had wounded.

Justice Fisher took a stern stance on Dickson’s conduct, given the seriousness of the offence and his inappropriate behaviour in court.

Consequently, Justice Fisher increased the compensation fees to two million old Leones (NLe 2,000,000) to be paid by Friday, September 8th, 2023. Failure to pay will result in all accused persons being held in custody. Justice Fisher has adjourned the matter to Friday, September 8th, 2023.