Ex-convict remanded

One Abdoulie Secka, an ex- convict, was yesterday remanded in custody by the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, presided over by Magistrate Tabally when he was arraigned again on a charge of theft.

The accused, Abdoulie Secka, was earlier arraigned before Magistrate Mbacke for wilful damage to property and threatening violence, and was subsequently convicted and sentenced for those offences.

On 29th December 2010, CPL 3560 Colley called his first witness to testify against the accused, after he pleaded not guilty to stealing.

In his testimony, the witness, Samba Malick Mbye, told the court that he lives in Fajara and recognised the accused, adding that he also knew the complainant.

Mbye further adduced that on 17th November 2010, he went to Lama Lama Bar to enjoy himself.

Still testifying, the witness said that he was with the accused in the bar until 4 a.m. and they decided to go home because he (the witness) was drunk.

He narrated that on their way, they came across the complainant, Saffie Ceesay, who walked passed them.

The witness indicated that the accused stopped her, because he wanted to talk to her.

He further added that the accused broke a bottle, threatened the complainant and took her mobile and handbag, and then ran away.

“I accompanied the complainant to the Bakau Police Station, because the complainant is my neighbour,” he further told the court.

He added that he met the accused after four days.

He said he too was detained by the police, and released after two days, adding that the accused person was later arrested.

Also testifying, the complainant narrated the same story as the first witness.

At the end of the complainant’s testimony, the prosecution announced the end of the prosecution’s case.

The case was adjourned till 5th January 2011, for the accused to open his defence.

The particulars of offence stated that the accused, Abdoulie Secka, on 17th November 2010 at Bakau Sanchaba, unlawfully stole from one Saffie Ceesay a mobile phone marked Blackberry, valued at €350 and a black purse containing cash of €500 and D600. It stated that the total value of stolen items is D32, 545.