By: Audrey Raymonda John
Twenty-five-year-old John Bangura, a painter, has been committed to the High Court by Magistrate Mamakoh Saio Kallon of Pademba Road Court No. 3 in Freetown.
Bangura stood trial on three counts: causing grievous bodily harm, wounding, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861.
According to police reports, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at No. 13 Cold Street, Murray Town, Freetown, Bangura allegedly caused grievous bodily harm to Alie Sankoh with intent to do serious injury.
The second and third counts relate to the same incident, where Bangura is accused of maliciously wounding and assaulting Sankoh, causing him actual bodily harm.
When the charges were read and explained to him, the accused pleaded guilty to all counts.
Despite being unrepresented by legal counsel, Bangura cross-examined witnesses and informed the court of his intention to call two witnesses at the High Court.
Magistrate Kallon ruled that the prosecution had presented sufficient evidence to warrant committal and therefore committed the case to the High Court for further proceedings.
Inspector Mohamed Kamara prosecuted the case.