Wiful Damage Lands man in Trouble

A young man from Kunkujang village, who pleaded guilty for unlawful damage to property, has been fined by the Bundung Magistrates' Court in default to go to prison.

Edrissa Badjie, a young man living in Kunkujang, Kombo North appeared before the Sheriff of the High Court Amina Saho-Ceesay standing for Magistrate Kumba Sillah, put the case to the defendant who pleaded guilty.

Prosecutor, Cpl. Sambou, reading the facts of the case, said, "On the 3rdAugust 2008 at Kunkujang, Kombo North, Western Region, the accused who lives in the same compound with Taffa Badjie, the complainant borrowed a spade from the complainant and was given to the accused. He then used the spade to remove his door. When the complainant asked him why he was doing that, he said the complainant had no right to ask him.

Push and pull ensued between them, it was then the complainant reported to the Wellingara police."

When Magistrate Amina Saho Ceesay put it to the accused he answered in the positive and pleaded for mercy.

The accused said, "I lost my father and I care for 5 sisters, 6 brothers and 2 mothers. Please forgive me."

Magistrate Amina Saho Ceesay said, passing her judgement, "the court takes cognisance of the accused person being a first offender. Offenders are given the chance to go back in society to comport themselves like others." As a result of this and being a breadwinner for eleven persons he was fined to pay D1, 000 or in default to serve 3 months imprisonment. "And to pay D1, 000 as compensation or in default to serve 3 months both to run concurrently," Magistrate Amina Ceesay said.