By: Audrey Raymonda John
Sheku Sesay, a businessman, made another appearance before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown on two counts: Fraudulent Conversion, contrary to Section 20(iv)(b) of the Larceny Act of 1916, and Obtaining Money by False Pretences, contrary to Section 32(i) of the same Act.
According to the particulars of the offence, between February and July 2020, at Metzchem Junction, Funkia, in the Western Area of Freetown, Sesay allegedly fraudulently converted to his own use or benefit the sum of Eighty Thousand Leones (Le 80,000), which had been entrusted to him by Morlia Turay for the purpose of purchasing boards in Kailahun.
The second count stated that on the same date and at the same location, the defendant, with intent to defraud, obtained Eighty Thousand Leones (Le 80,000) from Morlia Turay by falsely pretending he would supply the boards, knowing that this was untrue.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendant, no plea was taken.
The prosecuting counsel, J.T. Conteh Esq., closed his case, and the file was withdrawn for ruling.
Magistrate Fornah delivered his judgment, stating that he had considered the charges and the particulars of the offence as presented by the complainant through his lawyer, J.T. Conteh. He also took into account the testimonies of the complainant and the witness, which corroborated each other. The defendant’s testimony, in which he denied the allegations, was also reviewed.
Having conducted a preliminary investigation and thoroughly examined the evidence, Magistrate Fornah was satisfied that the complainant and his witness had raised a prima facie case. Therefore, he committed Sheku Sesay to the High Court to stand trial.
Counsel for the defendant renewed and adopted his previous bail application on behalf of the defendant.
Magistrate Fornah granted bail to the defendant in the sum of Ninety Thousand Leones (Le 90,000), with a surety in a like sum. The surety must be a senior citizen, a resident of Freetown, and must produce a valid identity card showing their address in Freetown. The surety must also be gainfully employed and provide proof of employment. Bail will be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.