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Moses Richards ends defence

Mar 17, 2011, 12:55 PM | Article By: Bakary Samateh

Lawyer Moses B Johnson Richards, who is on trial for giving false information and sedition, yesterday ended his testimony before acting-Principal Magistrate Alagba at the Banjul Magistrates’ Court.

Richards told the court that, after writing to various authorities, he did not receive any response from them, noting that this said letter was under the instructions of his client, whom he believed was telling him the correct story in his capacity as Alkalo of Jabang village.

“My intention as a lawyer was to maintained peace and tranquility in the village of Jabang on behalf of my client, Pa Ebrima Ceesay, the alkalo of Jabang, “ Richard told the court.

He added that he wrote this letter purposely for his client, and the letter might be interpreted by the Sheriff of the Gambia differently.

“I have never indicated in my letter that HIS Excellency ordered a stay of execution of the judgment,” Richard told the court.

When asked by his defence counsel, Surahata Janneh, whether the President of the Gambia ever interfered in any court proceedings, Richard said, “I have never been aware of such; the President respects the rule of law, and it was never my intention to disrespect the Office of the President or the President himself.”

Richards added that his client has not paid him anything, and “I believed every good lawyer or citizen has a right to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADRS) within the society.”

He went on to further state that paragraph 3 of the said letter was narrated verbatim by his client, and that he wrote exhibit A6 on his behalf, dated 14th December 2010. Exhibited A5 was signed by the Hon. Sheriff of the Gambia dated 15th December 2010, Richards continued.

Concerning exhibit A8, he denied everything stated in that particular paragraph.

Richards told the court that he did not advise his client as suggested, concerning the execution of the judgment, adding that it was the very Hon Sheriff of the Gambia who asked his client to get a lawyer to write a letter for him.

He also denied mentioning in his letter the police investigation.

The case was adjourned to 21st March 2011 for cross-examination