By: Audrey Raymonda John
27 years old Francis Williams who gave his occupation as a welder has been arraigned before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No.1 in Freetown on allegation of theft.
He was charges with the offence Larceny Dwelling house contrary to section 13 (a) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence on Monday 22nd May 2023, at Low-cost housing Kissy, in the western Area in Freetown, the accused entered into the dwelling house of complainant Michael Conteh and stole therein the sum of eighteen thousand Leones (Le 18000).
It was also alleged on count two that accused at the same place and date the accused person entered into the dwelling house of Michael Conteh and stole therein one IPad mobile phone valued nine thousand Leones (Le 9000) Property of Ansu Amara.
Led in evidence by Sergeant 9874 Memunatu M Turay, second Prosecution witness (PW2) Calvin Barna a student recognized complainant and the accused person as neighbours.
He said on the 22nd May 2023, he was at home sleeping around 6am himself the accused person was inside his room sleeping when the complainant wakes him up asking for the accused person.
The witness said by then the money which got missing was inside the bag of the complainant.
The witness further stated that he wake the accused up because complainant noticed his properties was not in the room.
He said they went to one aunty Matta relative of the accused and she advised them to go in search for him after he vanished.
The second witness said they later got information that the accused person is at Approve School.
At the conclusion of his examination in chief, the witness was cross examined by AK. Kamara to test the gravity of what he narrated
Having heard the bit of evidence and cross examination Magistrate Kekura granted the accused person bail in the sum of fifty million Leones with one surety in like sum.
He said the surety must produce NASSIT identity card depicting his or her address in Freetown. He also stated that the bail of the accused is to be approved by the Deputy assistant Registrar and adjourned the matter to the 23rd August 2023 for further hearing.