By: Audrey Raymonda John
Twenty-seven 27 years old Thomas Jarsin Coker who was arrested on 17th December last year have made his second appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No. 1 in Freetown for allegedly stealing assorted mobile phones both Manuel and andriod phones valued at thirteen thousand leones (NLe13,000) belonging to Yeroh Barrie.
Thomas Jarsin Coker, who was residing at No.6 Jalloh Terrace in Freetown, appeared before the court on a count of larceny contrary to section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.
It was alleged by the police that the accused, on 12 March 2022 at No. Shell Old Road Low-cost Junction in Freetown, stole assorted mobile phones valued at NLe13, 000.
Led in evidence by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Osman M. Bangura former witness Detective Inspector Umaru Sesay attached to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) told the court that he recognized the accused and could recall the day in question.
Mr Sesay continued that on that day, he was on duty at the said unit at the Ross Road Police Station, Habour Division when the complainant arrested and brought in the accused and reported a case of larceny.
He said the matter was assigned to him, disclosing that on the same date, he obtained statement from the complainant and her witnesses.
On the same date, he added that he and Detective Sergeant 15036 Koroma A.K obtained a voluntary caution statemenet from the accused, which he admitted to it to be true and correct by affixing his right thumbprint witnessed by Detective Sergeant Koroma A.K. The accused’s voluntary caution statement was produced and tendered to form part of the court’s records.
The witness said on 17 December 2022, he and Detective Sergeant Koroma A.K charged the accused with the offence of larceny contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
The charge statement of the accused was also tendered in evidence. Defence counsel M.A. Kamara cross examined the witness. The accused is still on bail and the matter was adjourned to 6th March 2023 for further hearing.