By: Audrey Raymonda John
31 years old Christiana Marrah, 20 years old Marian Conteh and 25 years old Esther Conteh, have all made their first appearance before Magistrate Peter Brima Gogra of Pademba Road Court No.6 in Freetown on three count charges to wit Assault, threatening language and Public insult.
According to the particulars of offence, on Sunday 15th January 2023 at Pyke Street Congo Town, in the Western Area of Freetown, the aforesaid accused persons assaulted Fatmata Conteh in a manner thereby occasioning in actual bodily harm.
On count two at the same place and date, the accused persons did use threatening language against the said complainant with intent to provoke her to commit a breach of the peace.
And on count three at the same place and date, the accused persons in the view of the public and in the presence of the said complainant, did use certain insulting language against the said complainant in such a manner that would likely to provoke her to commit a breach of the peace.
The charges were read and explained to the accused persons and they pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor thereafter, sought for a short adjournment date which was granted by the magistrate.
Counsel representing the accused persons F.R Conteh, applied for bail for and on behalf of the accused person that they are Sierra Leoneans resident within this jurisdiction. He added that the accused persons have credible sureties who are willing and ready to go into recognizance on their behalf. He also assured the court that the accused persons would not interfere with prosecution witness or witnesses, nor would they jump bail.
He made his application pursuant to section 79 3 of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965.
In lieu of the above, Magistrate Gogra granted the accused persons bail in the sum of ten million Leones with two sureties each in like sum sureties to be resident within this jurisdiction.
Magistrate Gogra requested the sureties to produce valid identity cards, and also demanding that one surety to be employed before the bail would be approved by the Bench.
The matter was adjourned to the 8th February 2023 for further hearing. Sergeant 10041 Marion R.E Koroma is the officer prosecuting the Matter.
