By: Audrey Raymonda John
A 23-year-old waste collector, Lawrence Williams, has been remanded to the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown by Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah of Pademba Road Court No. 1 after appearing before the court on three counts, including alleged wounding and assault on a police officer.
The accused is facing charges of wounding, contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861; assault on a police officer, contrary to Section 39 of the Police Act No. 7 of 1964; and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861.
According to the prosecution, on Wednesday, 10th June 2026, at Murray Town, Western Area, Freetown, the accused allegedly and maliciously wounded Desmond Mohamed Kemokai.
The second count alleges that on the same date and location, the accused assaulted Police Constable 21452 Desmond Mohamed Kemokai while he was carrying out his lawful duties.
The third count further alleges that the accused assaulted Kemokai, causing him actual bodily harm.
The prosecution was led by DPC 17649 Brima Kargbo. The first prosecution witness, Police Constable 21452 Desmond Mohamed Kemokai, attached to the Regional Freetown West Division, Lumley, testified before the court as an operational officer.
The witness told the court that he recognized the accused and recalled that on 10th June 2026, he and other officers conducted an operation at Murray Town, specifically the Banana Water community.
According to Kemokai, during the operation, they allegedly found the accused selling substances suspected to be kush, tramadol, and other items.
He further alleged that during the process of arresting the accused, the defendant struck him on the mouth, causing him to bleed. He also told the court that his bag, which contained his police identification card and Le500,000 in cash, was taken during the incident.
The witness said the accused was later arrested and taken to the police station, where a police medical request form was issued to him. He added that he returned the form after it had been endorsed and made a statement to the police.
The accused, who was not legally represented, cross-examined the witness.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Mustapha Brima Jah refused bail and ordered that Lawrence Williams be remanded at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
The matter has been adjourned to 27th July 2026 for further hearing.