By: Audrey Raymonda John
The matter of Joesph Manner has been withdrawn by magistrate Marke Ngagba of Pademba Road Court No.1 for ruling on the 28th of December 2022.
The accused was arraigned before him for Preliminary Investigation on a count charge of conspiracy to defraud contrary to the law of Sierra Leone.
It was stated on the charge sheet in count one that on Tuesday 21st September 2021 at Sierra Leone Lottery Tower Hill, with intent to defraud the accused conspired with other person’s unknown to commit a crime
On count two, the accused was alleged to have obtained the sum of seven thousand united state dollars for one Toyota 4Runner Jeep from complainant Gregory Thomas.
Banking on the finding in the police file, complainant Gregory Thomas is the Administrative and Procurement manager of Sierra Leone Lottery and his wife Anita Thomas was the one who told her that her colleague Bob Kajue knew someone who owns a Toyota 4Runner vehicle jeep for sale.
During the Preliminaries, the prosecutor sergeant Lahai docked several witnesses including complainant who narrated exactly how the transaction was made.
Complainant and witnesses were cross examined by defense counsel Charles Isreal Williams who was representing the accused.
At the close of the prosecution’s case, defense counsel submitted a closing address on behalf of his client defending him on the allegation he was in court for.
Receiving the address, the prosecutor sergeant Lahai informed the Bench that he relied on the evidence adduced so far in court.
Upon hearing that, magistrate Marke Ngagba withdraw the file for ruling on the 28th of December 2022.