By: Audrey Raymonda John
A carpenter, Jonathan Sundai, has been sentenced to twelve (12) months’ imprisonment by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of the Pademba Road Court No. 2 after pleading guilty to a charge of obtaining money by false pretence, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The particulars of the offence stated that between 28 June and 30 September 2025, at Gwent High, Ringing Hill Cut Road, Mountain Rural District, Western Area, Freetown, the accused, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Leones (NLe 9,900) from Isatu Momoh. He falsely pretended that he would construct two wardrobes for her, knowing the claim to be false.
When the charge was read and explained to him, the accused pleaded guilty.
Prosecuting the matter, Detective Police Constable 18235 Thoronka K.K informed the court that the accused is a first-time offender.
The accused, who was not legally represented, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.
In delivering judgment, Magistrate Fornah stated that, considering the fact that the accused is a first-time offender and had pleaded guilty, the court sentenced him to serve twelve (12) months’ imprisonment. However, the sentence carries an option for the accused to refund the full sum of NLe 9,900 to the complainant or to deliver the two wardrobes as agreed.
The magistrate further ruled that the custodial sentence will be served in full should the accused fail to refund the money or provide the two wardrobes to the complainant.