The criminal trial involving Michael Gerald Sheehy, a British National who is facing four counts ranging from purchasing forged bank notes, uttering false documents, selling forged bank notes, proceeded yesterday before Magistrate B. Mahoney of the Kanifing Magistrates' Court.
On the resumption date of the case, the prosecuting officer, Inspector Fadera, called his prosecution witness, one Abdoulie Juwara, an employee of Standard Chartered Bank.
Adducing evidence, PW1, Abdoulie Juwara, told the court that he is a banker and a resident of Dippa-Kunda attached to Serrekunda SCB Branch adding that, he recognised the accused person in the dock and can recall the 19th and 27th January 2009.
PW1 maintained that he saw the accused at Serrkunda SCB Branch noting that the accused was there to encash a traveler's cheque in pounds and he went through a process.
He added that they contacted American Express which gave a code and the code would be written on each cheque when it arrives in the office.
I verify the cheque or vouchers and the figures whether they are correct then I process it in the system and pay.
Still giving his version, he said they issue receipt and stamp and then send the cheque to the bank.
Mr. Juwara adduced further that he recognised the receipts and he was informed to his surprise that the cheque had some issues like fraud, that they are fraudulent. He said the matter was reported to the authorities. The accused was represented by lawyer Badou S.M. Conteh who later cross- examined the witness.
Hearing continues on 4th June 2009.
