The Upper Fulladu West District Tribunal in the Central River Region on Thursday convicted Abdoulie Barry and Ousman Baldeh for illegal felling of trees.
Abdoulie Barry was fined D6, 200 in default to serve one year in prison while Ousman Baldeh, the driver, was fined D5, 800 in default to serve one year in prison, after both men pleaded guilty to the charge.
The convicts were said to have been intercepted by some forestry personnel with the help of the Bansang police between URR and CRR whilst loading sixty logs into a truck, which was contrary to the Forestry Act.
Chief Biran Baldeh, who presided over the case, warned the people of his region to desist from intruding into the forest, adding that he would not compromise with anyone found wanting.
He also called on the forestry officials to intensify their guard against forest intruders, saying they should leave no stone unturned in dealing with anyone trying to engage in dubious act in the forest.
Chief Baldeh also thanked the forestry personnel for their cordial relationship with the local communities.
The convicted persons begged the tribunal for forgiveness, saying: “We are family men.”
