Cattle Dealer in Legal Tussle With State

The trial of Hammadi Sowe, a cattle dealer, charged with two counts of 'funds received by agents for sale' resumed yesterday at the Banjul Magistrates' Court before Magistrate Edrissa Mbai.

The particulars of the alleged offence on count one states that between the month January and September 2008, the accused received an amount of D500, 000 from one Alhagie Ceesay, Chief Protocol Officer at State House, to buy and sell cattle, but failed to pay or account for the proceeds to the person from whom it was received.

Count two states that on or about the same time and place in the Republic of The Gambia he received an amount of D700, 000 from the same Alhagie Ceesay to purchase feeding for cows, but failed to deliver the heads of cattle in exchange for amount received.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the two counts charged.  The case that was first mentioned in court in November 2008 is now adjourned until 27th May 2009 to allow the prosecution to call witnesses.