Convicts' Escape Impedes Hearing

A man fined for drug offences, in default to serve 15 years, appealed and escaped from custody, had a bench warrant issued against him and his appeal struck out as the case could not continue at the Brikama High Court.

Balla Gitteh, found in possession of prohibited drugs for the purpose of drug trafficking, was found guilty at the Brikama Magistrates' Court and fined 1 Million in default to serve 5 years plus 10 years.

Gitteh appealed against it on the following grounds; "I am not guilty of the offence, I am appealing against the conviction. And I am appealing against the conviction and sentence."

When the case was called at the Brikama High Court before Justice Ngui Mboob Janneh, a prison Wardner Kalifa Bojang said, "My Lord, the accused escaped from lawful custody. I am hereby applying therefore to the court for an arrest warrant and to strike out the appeal," Bojang said.

Justice Ngui Mboob Janneh stated, "The application is granted and an arrest warrant hereby issued against the accused person. His appeal is also struck out.

State Counsel Buba Bojang represented the state.