By: Audrey Raymonda John
Thirty-seven (37) years old driver, Edward Gray who was arrested on 14 November 2022 by Detective Police Constable 18009 Sandi M.M has made his second appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No.1 for allegedly killing Anne Marifudia Mansaray. The incident occurred on Tuesday 20 September 2022 at No. 22b Old Railway Line, Brima Lane in Wellington, Freetown.
Edward Gray appeared before the court on a count charge of manslaughter contrary to law.
It was alleged by the police that the accused, on Tuesday 20 September 2022 at the aforesaid date and place, in Freetown killed Anne Marifudia Mansaray.
Being that the police prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) O.M. Bangura, told the court that his witness was absent and also applied for a subpoena to be served on the former witness to come and testify against the next adjourned date, which was granted.
It was against this backdrop that Defence Counsel, A. Manasaray, representing the accused applied for bail on behalf of the accused by relying on section 79 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965 and also section 23 (1) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone.
Lawyer Mansaray said his client had been incarcerated for the past six months both in police cell and prison, adding that the prosecution had not shown any interest in prosecuting the matter.
Responding, ASP O.M. Bangura objected to bail, assuring that the offence, which the accused is standing trial, is serious. Mr Bangura buttressed that there are exception to 2018 Bail Regulation to certain matters including treason, murder and robbery with aggravation.
Responding, Magistrate Kekura denied the accused bail due to the seriousness of the offence and remanded him at the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to 14th February 2023.