Alleged car theft reaches court

He did not accept responsibility.

Prosecutors alleged that the accused, Bakary Suso, on 23 February 2014 at Kotu and diverse places in the Kanifing Municipality, stole a motor vehicle, of mark Mercedes Benz C220 Elegant valued at D240,000 and the property of one Urban Lennartsson.

It was also alleged that at the same place, date, month and year, with intent to defraud, Bakary Suso obtained from Urban Lennartsson the sum of D30,000 for the certification of the said car, a representation he knew at the time was false.

The police prosecutor, Chief Inspector Touray, told the court that he had a witness to testify.

Lawyer Moses Richards, who was representing the accused, told the court that he needed time and facilities to prepare their defense, adding that the liberty of the accused was at stake and they needed enough time.

He cited section 24 of the constitution to support his argument.

However, Chief Inspector Touray said the witness was going to travel back to his country, which was why he came with the witness to testify.

Moses Richards maintained his position that the defense needed time, adding that the right of the accused to prepare his defense should not be sacrificed.

He then applied to the court to grant the accused bail, adding that he would make himself available whenever he is needed by the court.

He said the accused would not interfere with the witnesses, adding that the prosecution had completed their investigation, which was why they brought the accused to court.

Chief Inspector Touray said he was not opposing bail.

Magistrate Colley then granted bail to the accused in the sum of D300,000 with two Gambian sureties, who should swear to an affidavit of means and to surrender their ID cards.

The case was adjourned till 3 June 2015, for hearing.