March 23, 2021
By: Audrey .R. John
26yrs old driver, Old Abdul Turay has made his first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Keikura of Pademba Road Court in Freetown on one count charge of Fraudulent Conversion Contrary to section 20 (1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the charge sheet, on the 31st February 2021 at Hill Cut Road off King Harman Road roundabout in Freetown, the accused fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit a Maroon Toyota Dyna Van with Registration number ALC-421 valued seventy six million Leones (Le.76, 000,000) entrusted to him by Amadu Bangura for the purpose of safe keeping.
The first prosecution witness, who is also the complainant, Amadu Bangura has told the court that he recognized the accused person and recalled February 2021. He told the court that he was at home when the accused came and collected the vehicle with registration number ALC-421 of which he gave him to run on commercial purpose. He said since then he has not set eyes on the said accused person. He revealed to the court that he bought the vehicle from Sheik F. Kamara at seventy six million Leones and handed over all relevant documents including the life card which he displayed in court.
The complainant said he went to Central Police Station to make statement concerning the long absence of the accused person. He was later arrested by his relatives and took him to the central Police station. The witness said there were several other people that were around when he handed the motorbike to him.
Magistrate Sahr Keikura asked the accused person about the car and he replied that he had sold it to someone around Lumley. He has been remanded at the male correctional center in Freetown.
Sergeant 7224 Songo J.K is prosecuting the matter. The matter has been adjourned to the 30th March 2021.