October 11, 2021
By: Francis F. M. Harding
The accused person, 16yrs old Abu Bakarr Kamara ‘alias Jackson’ has on the 6th October, 2021 appeared before Justice Mohamed Bawah at the Modern Sexual Penetration Court in Freetown remanded for allegedly committing sexual offence.
The accused person on a date unknown between the 1st January, 2021 and the 22nd April, 2021 in Freetown in the Western Area of the Republic of Sierra Leone engages in an act of sexual penetration contrary to the Laws of Sierra Leone.
The defense counsel, E.T Lasayo made an application for bail. During his plea mitigation he said the accused person has credible and responsible sureties who will stand in his behalf for his regular appearance in court. He added that the accused person has special circumstances as he is a child age 16 who appeared to be sick.
During his ruling, Justice Mohamed Bawah said the bail should not be used as a means for punishment before the court hears and determine the actual case. He added that the court will not grant bail for such allegation, where there is no witness or case been heard the court at this stage will not grant bail to the accused person. Justice Bawah called on the defense council to oblige the court with medical report of the accuse person on the next adjourned and to be prepare to take his witnesses as he intend to speed up trial so that justice will be done quickly and swiftly.
Accused person was remand at the male correctional centre in Freetown; representing the State is Elizabeth Tity Jalloh Esq while H. Momoh is defending the accused person the matter has been adjourned to the 25th October, 2021.