September 8, 2021
By: Audrey John
A British National and a Business man, Rawanda John Cox has on the 7th September,2021 testified before magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No 1, in Freetown about how he was attacked and robbed properties worth over thirty five million Leones.
The accused persons on the above action, Abu Bakar Sidique and three others are before the court on preliminary investigation and charged with five count of conspiracy to commit felony, robbery with aggravation, wounding with internet, wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
They were alleged to have conspired with other persons unknown to rob complainant John Cox.
Led in his examination in chief by state counsel Juan Bull, complainant recognized the accused persons and recalled on the 3rd August, 2021 three men entered his compound at Lumley with knives and attacked him and his fiancée.
Complainant said during the attacked, three laptops and their mobile phones were stolen, and sustain injuries about the confrontation.
Complainant said after the robbery, he reported the matter at the Lumley police station and they issued him a police medical request form which he took to the hospital to be examined and treated.
The witness identified list of items shown to him by state counsel Juan Bull as some of the items recovered by the police.
When questioned as to what he used to track his stolen phone, he said he use an app linking him to the person who was in possession of the phone and when he tracked him he informed the police.
Under Cross examination by defense counsel, J.M Jengo on behalf of 1st accused on his medical report, complainant said he did not understand the names on them.
While counsel for the fourth accused person, E.L Bangura Esq, complainant responded to the question posed to him, that with a clear conscience he did not see the fourth accused on the date of the incident.
Lead defense counsel J.M Jengo further renewed his application for bail. His plea and converse the unfettered discretion of the Bench to admitted the accused persons to bail.
Defense counsel further drew the attention of the Bench to the statement of complainant before he testified that he did not want any case and wish to go home. He said what they are in court for presently is a matter with the state.
State counsel Juan Bull in response vehemently objected to bail. She said foreigners coming to this country must be safe. She added that her client wants to return home because of what they allegedly experienced.
Having heard the application on bail on behalf of all accused persons, Magistrate Kekura agreed that the offenses are serious and refused bail for all accused persons.
Matter has been adjourned to the 15th September, 2021.