Men convicted for theft

Muhammed Ceesay, a Casamance resident, and Gibril Nyang, a Gambian, were recently convicted by the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Tabally, upon their own plea of guilt to a charge of stealing.

Muhammed Ceesay, first accused person, was sentenced to a fine of D10,000 in default to serve six months in prison, whilst the second accused person, Gibril Nyang, was sentenced to a two-year jail term with hard labour without an option of a fine.

According to the charge sheet, the accused persons on 29 May 2011, at the Gambia Public Transport Corporation (GPTC) in Kanifing, jointly stole an air conditioner, value unknown, being the property of the GPTC.

Before passing the verdict, the trial magistrate enquired from the police prosecutor whether the accused persons were first-time offenders.

In response, the prosecuting officer, First Class 2118 Gomez, told the court that the first accused was a first-time offender whilst his accomplice was a second-time offender.

He revealed that the second accused was earlier arraigned before the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on a similar offence of stealing, adding that he was later cautioned and discharged because of the long duration he had served in custody during his trial.

Subsequently, Magistrate Tabally convicted them accordingly after the plea for mercy.