By: Audrey Raymonda John
Suliaman Bangura who was apprehended on 28th April 2023 by Detective Police Constable (DPC) 28387 Juba E appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No. 1 in Freetown for fraudulently converting vehicle key, a pair of crape, spare tire and battery totaling three thousand, eighty hundred fifty leones (NLe3,850) leones belonging Mohamed Yayah Turay.
Bangura 33, who was residing at No. 47 Black Road in Freetown appeared before the court on count of fraudulent conversation contrary to section 20(1)(IV) of the Larceny Act of 216.
It was alleged by Inspector General of Police (IGP) that the accused, on Wednesday 26th April 2023 at Coconut Farm Black Hall Road, in Freetown, fraudulently converted certain valuables NLe3,850 entrusted to him by Mohamed Yayah Turay for the purpose of safekeeping.
Led in evidence by Police Constable I9476 Sesay I prosecution witness (PW) 1, told the court that he recognized the accused and could recall the day in question.
Mr Turay furthered that on that day, he and the accused boarded his vehicle, adding that on their way to Coconut Farm Black Hall Road in Freetown the vehicle fan belt was destroyed.
PW1, said he pleaded with accused to sleep inside vehicle, which he agreed and handed over the vehicle key to him.
On the following day, the witness said when he return to the crime scene, he told the accused for when the accused opened the vehicle opened the vehicle back boot, he discovered that the vehicle battery, spare tire, a pair of crepe were missing totaling three thousand, eight hundred and fifty leones (NLe3,850).
He said when he confronted the accused with the incident; the accused told him that he has taken the vehicle battery for charge and assured him that he had the remaining valuables with him.
On the same day, he said he left the accused and entered into a Krio man compound pleading with him to park the said vehicle to him, noting that upon his return, he the accused and his friend had left the crime scene.
He rounded up evidence that that prompted him to report the matter to the Ross Road Police Station Harbour Division in Freetown where he also made a statement.
Being that the accused was not legally represented, Magistrate Kekura accorded him an opportunity to cross examine the witness.
As a matter of fact, the accused cross examined the witness.
Responding, Magistrate Kekura refused the accused bail and remanded at Male Correctional Center on Pademba Road in Freetown and the matter was adjourned to 23rd May 2023 for further hearing.