By: Audrey Raymonda John
Justice Adrian Fisher has sentenced Abubakarr Barrie to seven years imprisonment on two counts of fraudulent conversion of property, contrary to Section 20(1)(iv)(a) of the Larceny Act, 1916. The sentences are to run concurrently following his conviction on both counts.
The case was prosecuted by Christopher Cole Esq. on behalf of the State, while Randy S. Bangura Esq. represented the accused.
Delivering judgment on 27th February 2026, Justice Fisher held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The Court found that Barrie fraudulently converted to his own use a RENAULT truck with registration number AQF 318, valued at Forty-Six Thousand Euros (€46,000), equivalent to Le 515,538, which had been entrusted to him by James Maitland and Ann Marie Sesay for commercial purposes.
The Court also found him guilty of a second count involving the fraudulent conversion of Four Hundred Thousand Leones (Le 400,000), representing proceeds generated from the commercial use of the truck.
Justice Fisher emphasized that the offence was not a mere contractual misunderstanding but a deliberate breach of trust. He noted that the truck and its proceeds were entrusted to Barrie for specific commercial purposes, yet he diverted both for personal gain.
“The law imposes a duty of honesty and accountability when property is entrusted to an individual. Any deliberate diversion for personal benefit constitutes a serious criminal offence,” Justice Fisher remarked. He further highlighted that fraudulent conversion undermines confidence in commercial relationships and strikes at the heart of trust in business dealings.
Before sentencing, the Court considered the plea in mitigation presented on behalf of Barrie. However, given the substantial value of the property and the calculated nature of the conversion, Justice Fisher ruled that a custodial sentence was warranted.
Barrie was sentenced to seven (7) years imprisonment on Count I and seven (7) years imprisonment on Count II, with the sentences to run concurrently.
The conviction followed a full trial in which State Counsel Christopher Cole Esq. presented evidence establishing all elements of fraudulent conversion under the Larceny Act, 1916, including entrustment, conversion, and dishonest intent. The Court’s verdict reflects its acceptance of the prosecution’s evidence and legal arguments.