By: Audrey Raymonda John
Sorie Bangura, a Masoner, made his first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown on a count of Fraudulent Conversion, Contrary to Section 20 (1) (iv) (a) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of the offense, on Wednesday, 29th November 2023, at Looking Town S.S Camp Regent Village in the Western Area of Freetown, Bangura allegedly fraudulently converted to his own use or benefit certain property. The property, entrusted to him by Alice Thoronka for the purpose of safekeeping, includes one trip of sand, fifteen leaves of 2 by 2 (2×3) timber boards, and other items, all totaling eight thousand five hundred Leones (Le 8,500).
When the charge was read and explained to the accused person, no plea was taken. The prosecutor sought a short adjournment date to confer with his witnesses.
Counsel representing the accused person, J. Smith, applied for bail on behalf of Bangura, stating that he has reliable sureties willing to go into recognizance on his behalf. Smith assured the court that the accused would not interfere with prosecution witnesses or jump bail. He made this application pursuant to Section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965.
However, Magistrate Kekura refused bail and ordered the accused person to be remanded in the male correctional facility in Freetown. The matter was adjourned to the 18th January 2024 for further hearing. Sergeant 8975 Bangura I.S. prosecuted the case.