By: Audrey Raymonda John
A labourer, Abubakarr Dumbuya, has been sentenced to two years’ imprisonment after being convicted of malicious damage, contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861.
According to the particulars of the offence, Dumbuya, on Monday, 6 April 2026, at Kingtom Cemetery in the Western Area of Freetown, wilfully damaged four vault graves belonging to the Freetown City Council with the intent to steal. Each vault was valued at Le3,500, bringing the total value of the damaged property to Le14,000.
When the charge was read and explained to him, the accused pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Kadie M. Taylor, called its witnesses and subsequently closed its case before the matter was adjourned for judgment.
Delivering his ruling, Magistrate Jah said he had carefully considered the evidence presented by the prosecution, the facts of the case, and the plea in mitigation made on behalf of the convict. He stated that the offence was serious and that such conduct could not be tolerated within the Freetown jurisdiction.
The magistrate declined to impose a non-custodial sentence and instead sentenced Dumbuya to two years’ imprisonment at the Male Correctional Centre in Freetown.
The court noted that the sentence was intended to serve as a deterrent against acts of vandalism and the destruction of public property.