Three Jailed for Stealing Blocks

The Brikama Magistrates' Court, presided over by Magistrate Fred Foster on Monday 6th July 2009, convicted and sentenced three men to mandatory jail terms, ranging from six to eight months in prison, with hard labour.

The convicts: Alhagie Yahya Dibbasey, Lamin Yabou and Saikaiba Darboe were convicted and sentenced to six and eight months in prison respectively, following their own plea of guilt to the charges of conspiracy and stealing.

According to Prosecutor Sgt. Camara, it happened on 19th May 2009, when the complainant Bakary Jadama was informed by his younger brother, one Fasainey Jadama that 3, 800 blocks in their compound have gone missing.

He told the court that upon receiving the tip, the complainant Bakary Jadama visited the site and found out that all the 3,800.00 blocks had gone missing.

"From there, the complainant made his own investigation and met one Haji Jaiteh who also informed him that he saw the 2 accused with the 3, 800 blocks", Prosecutor Sgt. Camara told the court.

According to him, after receiving the information, he reported the matter to the police, after which the 2nd accused person was arrested. He said during the investigation, the 3rd accused person was also arrested and brought to Yundum Police Station where they were charged for the offence and their voluntary statements obtained by the personnel.

In his ruling, Magistrate Fred Foster stated that the court had taken into consideration the nature of the offence and the stolen items. He said the court also insisted on what the accused persons have said in their mitigation, and thus accordingly sentenced the 3 accused persons.

The 5th accused person Alagie Yaya Dibba Sey, was sentenced to 6 months in prison, whilst the 2nd and 3rd accused persons: Lamin Yabou and Saikou Darboe respectively, were sentenced to 8 months in prison, with hard labour.