Magistrate Fred Foster of the Brikama Magistrates' Court, recently convicted and sentenced one Sulayman Barry to a fine of D3,000, in default to serve three months in prison for stealing cashew-nut.
Delivering his judgement, Magistrate Foster told the court that the accused was charged with stealing, which he vehemently denied.
He further said that the accused was not truthful to what had actual happened. He said the prosecution had proven his case beyond reasonable doubt and therefore found the accused guilty of the offence charged.
The convict in his plea of mitigation told the court that he is a first time offender and stealing is not his habit, adding that he was drunk at the time of committing the offence.
He begged the court to temper justice with mercy.
However, the Presiding Magistrate, Fred Foster accordingly sentenced the convict.
