The Banjul Magistrates' Court on
The convict Bafaye Conteh was sentenced to a fine of D20, 000 in default to serve 18 months imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay the sum stolen of D20, 950 to Lamin Lodge in default they can institute a civil suit against him.
In delivering the judgement, the Presiding Magistrate Edrissa Mbai stated that the convict was charged with stealing and in trying to prove their case the prosecution called four witnesses. He said after the closure of the prosecution case, the defence also opened their case.
Magistrate Mbai further stated that it is a requirement in a criminal case that the prosecution has a burden to prove the charge against the accused person beyond all reasonable doubt. He said after reviewing the entire evidence of the prosecution and the defence, the court has found the evidence of the prosecution witnesses creditable and reliable. He said the convict's story had been found to be concocted and a betrayal of trust.
The convict, Bafaye Conteh, begged the court to temper justice with mercy, as he is a family man and a breadwinner of that family. He was thereby sentenced accordingly with a right to appeal.
