By: Audrey Raymonda John
Hassan Turay is currently standing trial before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No. 1. Turay was arrested on Friday, March 21, 2025, by Manso Michael, a resident of No. 5 Gweath Height, off Hill Cut Road, on charges of larceny and fraudulent conversion.
According to the details of the offense, Turay, a resident of No. 7 Access Road, Kissy, Freetown, was entrusted with twenty thousand liters of fuel by a local petroleum company on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Instead of making the delivery, he allegedly converted a portion of the fuel for his own benefit.
When questioned about the allegations, Turay denied any wrongdoing.
Defense counsel C.W.S. Atarrah, Esq., submitted a bail application on behalf of Turay, outlining several points: The accused is a Sierra Leonean and an ordinary resident within the jurisdiction.
He poses no flight risk. The accused has reliable sureties willing to enter into recognizance to ensure his appearance in court. If granted bail, the accused would not interfere with prosecution witnesses. Turay is a family man and the father of three children, and his detention for a month has caused economic hardship for his family.
Furthermore, the defense counsel cited Sections 79(2) and (3) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965 (Act No. 32) in support of the bail request.
However, Magistrate Kekura denied the bail application, citing the seriousness of the allegations. The matter has been adjourned to April 30, 2025.