Malian charged with indecent assault

Lamin Krubally, a Malian national, was yesterday arraigned before the Special Criminal Court of the High Court in Banjul, charged with the indecent assault of a 13-year-girl (name withheld as required by law) at Niani Banni village in the Central River Region.

Mr. Krubally, who is a fisherman in Niani Banni village, allegedly threatened the victim with death and forced her to have sex with him. Mr. Krubally has denied the charges.

The particulars of the offence stated that, the accused on 26th October 2009, at Niani Banni, did commit an offence when he had carnal knowledge of the said victim without her consent.

According to the information presented to the court, the victim was asked to go and collect fish from the accused person, and the accused person accosted her and asked her to have sex with him or risk losing her life.

This was reported by the victim's mother, one Fatou, who reportedly got suspicious and, consequently, asked her daughter whether she is pregnant.

The prosecution is expected to call four witnesses to help prove the case against the accused person.

Meanwhile, hearing will continue on 1 April 2010.