February 24, 2021
By: Francis F.M.Harding
Shama Bah appeared before Justice Wright at the High Court No. 2 in Freetown on the 23rd February, 2021. He was charged with one count of unlawful killing and manslaughter.
The State prosecutor, lawyer V.E.A.Kabbia applied for an amendment of the charge on the Police charge sheet. On the charged sheet dated 8th August, 2018 Lawyer applied that the word Murder should be replaced unlawful killing or manslaughter.
She said the submission made regarding the circumstances on exhibit A1-8 as the above suggest that it is necessary and it would not prejudice the accused person but will serve Justice.
She said the amendment can be made without any injustice to the accused person or the State according to 146 sub section (1) of the Criminal Procedure Act.
The lawyer for the accused E. Jones Esq. said there was no objection to her application. After her application the court clerk read the charge to the accused person “that on the 7th March, 2018 he unlawful killed Sao Conteh”. The accused person pleaded guilty.
Defence Lawyer E. Jones said that the accused person is a first time offender, he is a young man with family and if given second chance he will not repeat such despicable act.
He further stated that his client has a room for rehabilitation and has not wasted the time of the court, but has shown great remorse by giving correct answer to the Court. He said he had had conference with his client and is willing to go back home to the family of the deceased to apologize. He pleads to the Court to have mercy for him.
In responding to his plea Justice E.Wright said they must contact the family member of the late man, Sao Conteh before she will give her sentence.
The matter was adjourned for 2nd March, 2021.
