Woman convicted for concealment of birth

Mama Conteh of Tanji Village, charged with concealment of birth, was recently convicted and sentenced to a fine of D100 in default to serve one month in prison by the Brikama Magistrates’ Court, presided over by Magistrate Abeke.

According to the facts as narrated by the police prosecutor, 1st Class 2294 Jammeh, the incident was discovered on 22 March 2011 when one Sadibu Darboe found the baby on his cassava farm.

Sadibu Darboe, the prosecutor, added that he went and reported the matter to the village Alkalo, who also called the police at Tujereng and informed them about it.

He said the police, led by Chief Inspector Bahum and a medical doctor, Haruna Jammeh, visited the scene and the corpse was examined by the medical officer, confirmed dead and recommended for burial.

According to officer Jammeh, the convict was arrested and she confessed committing the said offence, adding that Mama Conteh told the police that she gave birth on 17 March 2011, at around 23:00hurs and hid the baby at the said cassava farm.

He said the convict was later referred to the RVTH for medical check-up where a medical certificate was issued.

She was subsequently convicted and sentenced accordingly after she pleaded for mercy.