GRA Crime Accomplice Sentenced

Alhagie Darboe, an accomplice in the ongoing legal tussle involving one Omar Kujabi, a former employee of Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), was yesterday sentenced to a fine of D5, 000 or in default to serve one year imprisonment on count one, whiles on count three he was fined D10, 000 in default to serve two imprisonment. This follows Mr. Darboe own change of plea from not guilty to guilty. Both sentences are to run consecutively.

According to the facts revealed by the particulars of offence, on count one, Alhagie Darboe and his accomplice Omar Kujabi on the 20th of February 2009 at Banjul and diverse places, jointly conspired to with stealing.

On count three, the convict Alhagie Darboe on the 20th February in Banjul and diverse places forged two income tax disc leaflets by photocopying them with the intention to sell them.

Lawyer Badou S.M. Conteh, defence counsel for the convict, Alhagie Darboe, made a passionate mitigation on behalf of the convict. He told the court that the convict has not delayed the court's time by changing his plea to a guilty plea and has regretted the offence greatly by showing remorse.

Lawyer Conteh adduced that his client is married with two children and taking care of his three brothers since he lost both his parents. He therefore urged the court to temper justice with mercy in sentencing the convict.

The court will continue proceedings with accused number one, who still stand by his 'not guilty' plea to count one allegation of conspiracy and count two stealing. The case has been adjourned until 12th May 2009.