By: Audrey Raymonda John
Justice Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura (JA) of the High Court in Kono, on Tuesday, 11th November 2025, sentenced Shekuba Mansaray to fifteen (15) years imprisonment following his guilty plea to the charge of sexually penetrating a 12-year-old girl.
The convict was tried on one count of Sexual Penetration of a Child, contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act 2012 (Act No. 12 of 2012), as amended by Section 4(a)(ii) of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2019 (Act No. 8 of 2019).
According to the indictment, on 19th August 2025, in Kono District, Eastern Province, the defendant engaged in an act of sexual penetration with a girl under the age of 18, specifically 12 years old. Upon reading and explaining the charge, the defendant pleaded guilty.
State Counsel C.R. Sesay urged the court to adopt the defendant’s plea and sentence him accordingly. He further informed the court that the defendant had previously been convicted five times within the same judicial district.
In response, Shekuba Mansaray pleaded for mercy, stating that he regretted his actions and would never repeat such conduct.
Defense Counsel A.O. Kamara, in his plea for mitigation, emphasized that the defendant did not waste the court’s time by pleading guilty and had shown remorse throughout the investigation. He argued that the guilty plea was a step toward rehabilitation and urged the court to temper justice with mercy.
In his ruling, Justice Bangura acknowledged the guilty plea and the mitigation presented. However, he emphasized the gravity of the offense:
“I remind myself that the conduct of the convict is heinous and must be discouraged in society. His actions have the potential to interfere with the physical well-being of the victim and can degrade, demoralize, and stigmatize her. That is why the court must take a firm stance to deter others from engaging in such conduct,” he stated.
Consequently, the court sentenced Shekuba Mansaray to fifteen (15) years imprisonment.