March 16, 2021
By: Francis F.M.Harding
Justice Charles Stevens in the Modern Sexual Penetration Court in Freetown has on Monday, 15thMarch, sentenced fifteen years in prison one Suliaman Jibateh for sexually touching and penetrating one11 years old girl.
Before the verdict, the judge read the sentence that the accused person is indicted on two counts charges- one being sexual penetration contrary to section 19 of the Sexual Offenses Act No. 12 of 2012 and sexual touching contrary to section 20 (1) (b) of the Sexual Offences Act of 2012.
On count one it is alleged by the state that the accused person between the 1st January, and 22nd November, 2019 in Freetown engaged in an act of sexual penetration of a girl who is believed to be an 11 yrs-old child. On count two it alleged that on the same date the accused forced the victim body parts in a sexual manner. The accused person pleaded not guilty to both counts.
The prosecution filed an application to trial by a judge alone. The prosecution led two witnesses. According the victim testimony in court; she was forced by the accused person to suck his penis. She said the sucking of his penis was an act of sexually penetration done to her by the accused person, Sulaiman Jibateh.
The second prosecution witness who is the police detective testified that he interview the accused person and also produced to the court the voluntary caution statement. There was no witness for the accused person throughout the trial.
The judge said the evidence adduced in court it is sufficient that the prosecution has proved their case beyond all reasonable doubt.
“The accused person being an adult disadvantaged the victim and exploited her by sexually penetrating his penis into her virginal on several occasions, and I therefore found the accused person guilty,” said Justice Stevens.
The Defense Lawyer pleaded with the Judge to show mercy and that they will accept whatever comes out from the Judgment. He also drew the attention of the Judge that his client (accused) is a first time offender and the bread winner of his family.
Responding to the Defense Counsel, Justice Stevens said he is here to administer justice either for the defense or the prosecution. The State Prosecutor in this matter was J.B. Kamara Esq, while the accused was represented by Taylor Young Esq.