March 12, 2021
By: Francis F.M.Harding
Justice Ansumana Ivan Sesay has discharged an accused person, Abubakarr Bangura who was arraigned before him for an offence of robbery with aggravation against the compliant Fatmata Smith. He took this decision on the 11th March at the High Court in Freetown.
Before taking the decision, Justice Sesay said for ten appearances the complainant has not been showing up in court, and drew the attention of State Prosecutor lawyer J.S. Tucker who confirmed that the complainant has never appeared before the honorable court to prosecute the accused person.
Justice Ansumana Ivan Sesay said the accused person has never been put on bail for ten times. He advised the state lawyer J.S.Tucker saying “we must see some commitment from the complainant.” Justice Sesay boldly said the complainant has disrespected the court.
Justice Sesay gave the accused the opportunity to express himself in court. The accused said he was not the person that forcefully took the bag from the said complainant. He further said that he is staying at Rokel and on that fateful day he came to Lumley beach to play football, suddenly after playing he saw police who grabbed him and took him to the station.
Responding to the accused person the state prosecutor J.S.Tucker informed the court that notices have been sent to the address of the complainant but to no avail. Justice Sesay said in the circumstances justice delayed is justice denied. He discharged the accused person however on bail. Matter has been adjourned to 18th March.