By: Audrey John
John R. Taylor a building contractor was on Friday 27th May 2022 granted bail in the sum of 250 million Leones by Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba road court No.1 over an alleged 30,000 U.K pounds fraud.
The accused John R. Taylor is before the court on one count charge of Fraudulent conversion contrary to section 20 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the charge sheet, it was alleged that the accused on diverse date between 29th July to 16 September 2021 in Freetown being entrusted with 30,000 pounds or its Leones equivalent in order for you to renovate a building at 50 Pratt street, New England Ville belonging to the complainant Josephine Beckley, Fraudulently converted le133,597,900.00 of the same to your own use and benefit.
When the charge was read to the accused no plea was taken.
First Prosecution witness (PW1) Josephine Beckley Barnett led in examination in chief by lawyer Achatoh said she is a pensioners and that she knew the defendant in the matter through one Hawa Kanu.
She said the property at No. 50 Pratt Street belongs to her.
The witness further recalled 29 July 2021 and 16 September 2021, adding that on the aforementioned dates, the defendant was introduced to her by Madam Kanu as a contractor and that upon that introduction, she gave the defendant a contract to renovate her house. At this juncture the prosecutor requested an adjournment to have further conference with her.
Lawyer T. Beah applied for bail on behalf of the defendant on the grounds that the accused is a Sierra Leonean and has responsible sureties who are ready to enter into recognizance on his behalf if granted bail. He said he was not served with affidavit by the prosecutor opposing to bail. His application was made pursuant to section 79(2) of the Criminal procedure Act 1965.
The prosecuting Lawyer Achatoh in reply vehemently opposed to bail noting that he has served the court with an affidavit in opposition to bail dated 24th May 2022, adding that the defense counsel refused to accept the affidavit in opposition to bail on the grounds that the file is not before him.
Magistrate Kekura having listened to both sides granted bail to the defendant in the sum of 250 million Leones and one surety in like sum and the surety should be a responsible citizen resident in Freetown and should produce valid identity card and that the bail should be approved by Deputy Assistant Registrar and the matter was adjourned to 6th June 2022.
