By Mohamed Mansaray in Kenema

Justice Francis Banks-Kamara of the High Court in Kenema has on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, sentenced one Mike Coker a mechanic of HOW-FOR-DO Lorry Park in Kenema to Twenty-Five Years (25 yrs.) imprisonment for conspiracy and shop breaking.

According to the particulars of offence, Mike Coker, John Swaray alias Johnny a labourer, Sulaiman Bah alias ‘Vapelo’ a Traditional Herbalist all of HOW-FOR-DO Lorry Park in Kenema, on August 5, 2022 and on diverse days between August 7, 2022 at Kenema, conspired with other persons unknown to commit an offence to wit Shop Breaking and Larceny contrary to Section 26 (1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

The Three Accused persons on the same date broke and entered into a pharmacy and stole Nine (9) boxes of fast-growing medicines valued One Thousand, There Hundred and Fifty New Leones (NLe 1,350.00) and fiscal sum of Thirty-Six Thousand New Leones (NLe 36,000.00) all to the total valued of Thirty Seven Thousands, Three Hundred and Fifty New Leones. Property of Bintu Jalloh.

The Accused, Mike Coker pleaded guilty and begged for mercy. He was sentenced to Twenty-Five Years (25yrs.) Imprisonment, Twelve Years on Count One and Thirteen Years 13yrs.) on Two. John Swaray and Sulaiman Bah who pleaded not guilty of the offence, were granted bail Fifty Thousand New Leones (NLe 50,000.00) in like Sum with one surety each.  Sureties should be responsible citizen’s residence in Kenema.

Mr. Mathew Lappia, State Counsel and Customary Law Officer in Kenema District, Prosecuted the matter whilst the Accused Persons were represented by Defence Counsel, Patrick Kamara of Legal Aid Board for Kenema District.

The matter was adjourned to February 19, 2024.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, February 9th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)