By: Audrey Raymonda John
A 24-year-old mason, Abu Bakarr Marrah, has been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment after Magistrate Mary Julia Gbloh of Pademba Road Court No. 5 found him guilty of larceny involving ten cartons of floor tiles valued at Le5, 500.
Marrah was arraigned before the court on two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime and larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Tuesday, 29th September 2026, at Back of Old School, Hill Station, in the Mountain Rural District, Western Area of Sierra Leone, the accused allegedly conspired with other persons unknown to commit a crime.
The prosecution further alleged that on the same date and at the same location, Marrah stole ten cartons of 60×60 tiles, each valued at Le550, bringing the total value to Le5,500. The tiles were said to be the property of Hassan Tarawallie.
During the trial, after the prosecution closed its case, Marrah elected to rely on his statement made to the police.
In the statement, the accused admitted being in possession of the stolen tiles and disclosed that he intended to sell them before he was apprehended.
The court also heard evidence from prosecution witnesses that cartons of tiles were recovered from the accused’s residence. However, the recovered tiles were not tendered or produced as exhibits during the proceedings.
In her judgment, Magistrate Mary Julia Gbloh ruled that the prosecution had successfully established the charge of larceny but failed to prove the conspiracy charge.
Consequently, Marrah was acquitted of the conspiracy charge but convicted of larceny.
He was subsequently sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment.