The trial of common assault case involving five accused persons was recently adjourned at the Brikama Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Edward Singhateh.
The accused persons are Momodou Lamin Sanyang, Sarjo Badjie, Bakary Suso, Modou Lamin Ceesay and Wuyeh Sanneh.
When the case was announced, the court was told that defence counsel Borry Touray was absent.
The prosecuting officer, Sgt 413 Sanyang, rose and told the court that on the last adjourned date, the accused persons informed the court they were being represented by lawyer Borry Touray, who was then not in court.
He said this time also the defence counsel was not in court to inform the court he was representing the accused persons.
He asked how the court could believe that the accused were being represented by lawyer Borry Touray who had never shown up in the case.
The presiding magistrate ruled that it was the accused’s right to be represented by a counsel, but since the beginning of the case, the defence counsel did not show up to the court.
He added that if on the next adjourned date the defence counsel was absent, the court would proceed with the case.
He consequently adjourned the case until 3 August 2011.
