September 16, 2021
By Audrey John
Magistrate Sahr Kekura at the Pademba Road Court No. 1 has on the 15th September, 2021 committed the matter between the State versus Mohamed Pateh alias “Mollay” who allegedly sexually penetrated a 12 years old girl.
Police alleged that the accused Mohamed Pateh, on Sunday 21st April 2019, at No. 1 Ascension Town Road in Freetown sexually penetrated a child under the age of 18 years, to wit, 12 years.
Pateh is faced with one count charge of sexual penetration of a child contrary to section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act No. 12 of 2012.
During the course of the Preliminary Investigation (PI), Prosecuting Counsel led two witnesses in court. One formal witness, and the victim.
Sergeant Taylor was prosecuting the matter, but the accused, Pateh was not represented by a lawyer in court.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura disclosed that Pateh, before he was being charged to court, revealed at the police station that the 12 years old girl was his girlfriend, adding that on the night of the alleged incident, the girl slept in his room, but he did not have any sexual intercourse with her.
However, Magistrate Kekura noted the sworn statement made by the victim and the testimony of the formal witness. He added that the evidence before the Court was sufficient, noting that the prosecution has a prima facie case. He therefore, pursuant to Section 116 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965 committed the matter to the High Court for the accused to stand trial.