May 21, 2021
By: Audrey John
30yrs-old Michael Smith has made several appearances before Magistrate Peter Gogra of Pademba road court in Freetown on two count charges to wit Loitering with intent contrary to section 8 of the public order Act of No. 46 of 1965 and disobeying curfew order contrary to law.
It was read on the charge sheet that on the 15th March 2021 at the back of Ataya base, hill top hill station the mountain rural district of Western Area in Freetown was found loitering with intent to commit a crime and disobeyed curfew order.
PW 3 DPC 1751 Andrew K Kamara attached to hill top police station said to the court when he was testifying that he recognized the complainant and the accused person, and also recalled on the 8th day of March 2021. He said he was on duty when a case of loitering with intent was brought in to him for investigation and on the same day he obtained statement from complainant and his witness.
And on the same date him and DPC 20014 Bangura took statement from the accused person who was cautioned and questioned in krio language and he (Witness) recorded it in English language. The witness said at the conclusion of his statement it was read and explained over to the accused person and he admitted it to be true and correct by affixing his right hand thumb print and was witness by DPC 20014 Bangura M and signed as the recorder. The witness said on the same date he charge the accused person with the offence of loitering with intent and disobeying curfew order and the offences were read to the accused person which he admitted it to be true and was witness by DPC 20014 and signed as the recorder.
At the end of the testimony, prosecution’s closed it case, while the Magistrate asked the accused whether he relied on his statement made to the police , the accuse said yes and will call witnesses.
The accused person was represented by Lawyer M.Bayoh while the matter was being prosecuted by Sergeant Amiza John. Matter has been adjourned to the 28th May 2021.