By Mohamed Mansaray in Kenema

Magistrate Mustapha Briama-Jah of Magistrate Court No.2 in Kenema has recently sentenced one Vandy Mannah and acquitted and discharged one Gbessay Kanneh.

Two accused persons, Vandy Mannah, a mason who is a resident of Njala Village and Gbessay Kanneh, a tailor of Weima Town, were arraigned before Magistrate Mustapha Briama-Jah of Magistrate Court No.2 in Kenema for Domestic Violence Contrary to Section 2(1) of the Domestic Violence Act No.20 of 2007 and receiving stolen property contrary to Section 33(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916, respectively.

Vandy Mannah on Thursday, June 20, 2024 at Njala Village, Malegohun Chiefdom, Kenema Judicial District in the Eastern Province, unreasonably disposed liquid cash of eight thousand New Leones (NLe 8,000.00) and property valued at two thousand New Leones (NLe 2,000.00), all to the total value of ten thousand New Leones (NLe 10,000.00) in which one Bockarie Senesie has reasonable expectation of use, whom he has domestic relationship with to wit brother-in-law. The accused pleaded guilty and begged for mercy and was sentenced to three (3) years imprisonment.

The accused Gbessay Kanneh on the aforementioned date and venue, did receive from Vandy Mannah liquid cash of NLe 8,000.00 property of Bockarie Senesie, knowing same to have been stolen.

In his Judgement, Magistrate Mustapha Briama-Jah having heard from the prosecution the fact of the case and record of the first and second accused and having heard the 1^st and 2^nd accused plea for mercy, the Magistrate did not impose a custodian sentence on the 2^nd accused but rather an alternative on the grounds that he was incriminated as receiver by evidence.

The fact is that on Tuesday, June 20, 2024 at Njala Village in the Malegohun Chiefdom, Kenema Judicial District, the 1^st accused stole the Sum of NLe 8,000.00 from the complainant. The 1^st accused told the police that he gave some amount to the 2^nd accused.

Therefore 1^st accused, Vandy Mannah was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment and the 2^nd accused, Gbessay Kanneh was cautioned and discharged.

The matter was prosecuted by Inspector Aiah Mafinda Teh of Legal and Justice Support Department at the Kenema Police Division.