By: Audrey Raymonda John
A businessman, Umarr Kamara, has been sentenced to 36 months imprisonment by Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2, Freetown, after being found guilty of defrauding a victim under the guise of an overseas travel arrangement.
Kamara faced two counts: Conspiracy to Defraud, contrary to law.
Obtaining Money by False Pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the prosecution, between 1st August and 30th December 2024, in Freetown, Kamara conspired with unknown persons to defraud Brima Daramy.
On the second count, Kamara was accused of fraudulently obtaining Le48,000 from the complainant under the false pretense of facilitating an overseas travel program to Albania for Daramy’s nephew, Alie Daramy, knowing the offer to be false.
When the charges were read and explained, no formal plea was taken from the accused.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, who prosecuted the matter, informed the court that the accused had no prior criminal record. Both the voluntary caution and charge statements were produced in court and tendered as part of the official court records.
Kamara was not legally represented. In his own defense, he pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that he was a first-time offender and had not wasted the court’s time.
Taking into account the mitigating factors, Magistrate Fornah:
Discharged the accused on Count One (Conspiracy to Defraud).
Sentenced him to 36 months imprisonment on Count Two (Obtaining Money by False Pretences).
The magistrate ruled that the sentence is to be served in full, with effect from the date the matter commenced in court.