By Audrey Raymonda John
In yesterday court proceeding at Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown, Samuel Caulker, a thirty-year-old mechanic and owner of The View Club, made his initial appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura.
He faced three charges, including two counts of Obtaining Money by False Pretences contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act 1916, and Malicious Damage contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861.
The charges stemmed from incidents alleged to have occurred between October and November 2023 in Freetown. It was asserted that Caulker maliciously damaged a side mirror belonging to Charles Abass Bangura’s sports edition vehicle, valued at eight hundred and fifty dollars. Additionally, Caulker was accused of obtaining nine thousand Leones from Bangura under false pretenses, claiming he would repair a steering fault in Bangura’s Toyota 4Runner Jeep. He also allegedly obtained two thousand five hundred Leones from Bangura under false pretenses, purportedly to repair a sensor problem in Bangura’s Benz C300.
Upon the reading and explanation of the charges, Caulker pleaded not guilty. Represented by Counsel A.D Archato, Caulker renewed his bail application. Magistrate Kekura granted bail in the amount of fifty thousand Leones or one surety of equal value. The surety was required to produce a recent NCRA (National Civil Registration Authority) identity card, with bail approval to be overseen by the Deputy Assistant Registrar. The matter was adjourned to March 20, 2024, for further hearing.
The case has garnered attention for its allegations of fraudulent activity and malicious damage, with the accused maintaining his innocence as the legal process moves forward.
