By: Audrey Raymonda John
Principal Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah of the Freetown Magistrates’ Court No. 1 has sentenced Ishmael Kamara, a bike rider, to four years in prison after he pleaded guilty to larceny.
Kamara was convicted for allegedly breaking into a United Methodist Church and stealing several items belonging to the church.
According to the prosecution, on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Kamara broke into the church and stole 25 bags of imported cement, six lengths of iron rods, one shovel, a shopping bag and other assorted items, with a total value of Le7, 505.
The stolen items were the property of the United Methodist Church.
When the matter came up in court, the prosecutor, Sergeant 18456 Linda Teh, told the court that Kamara had admitted to stealing the items.
Sergeant Teh informed the court that Kamara was a first-time offender but argued that such conduct should not be tolerated, particularly when it occurs in a place of worship.
She described the offence as unacceptable and stressed the need to protect places of worship from criminal activities.
In mitigation, Kamara pleaded with the court for mercy.
Before passing sentence, Magistrate Jah said he had considered the circumstances of the case, Kamara’s guilty plea and the need to impose a custodial sentence.
Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah subsequently sentenced Ishmael Kamara to four years in prison.