By: Audrey Raymonda John
An ordained Pastor, David Karim appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No. 1 for assaulting and wounding his neighbor, John Bambia.
Pastor Karim’s action left the complainant with grievous bodily harm.
The accused was arraigned before the court for the offences of wounding with intent, wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm contrary to law.
It was alleged that fifty (50) years David Karim, on Saturday 16th September, 2023, at No. 18b Colon Street Wellington Freetown assaulted and wounded the complainant, John Bambia in a manner thereby causing him grievous bodily harm.
Second Prosecution witness, (PW2), Joseph Lansana residing at Wellington in Freetown recognized the accused as his neighbor including the complainant and could recall 16th September, 2023.
On that day, he said he and the complainant, John Bambia was sitting outside discussing national issues in the early hours of 7:30pm to 8:00pm.
He said when he was ready to take his bath or shower, the accused pointed light at him, adding that when he asked the accused why he pointed the light at him.
As a result, the accused started abusing him and pelting stones at them. During the process, he went on that the stone hit the complainant’s forehead and blood was coming from his wounds.
Lansana told the court that when he attempted to arrested the accused, the complainant ‘s wife, told him not to take the law in his own hand and advised him to take the complainant , John Bambia to the Wellington Police Post.
At the police post, he said the complainant was issued with a police medical request form for treatment at the Rokupa Government Hospital Wellington in Freetown.
“Being that the complainant was seriously bleeding from his wounds, I initially took him at the Wellington Community Centre in Freetown,” PW2 told the court.
The witness concluded his evidence that he made a statement to the Wellington Police Post in Freetown.
Defence counsel, Alie Santos Sesay applied for cross examination to be deferred, which was granted.
Lawyer Sesay also applied for bail on behalf of the accused.
Responding, Magistrate Kekura denied the accused on the grounds based from the evidence so far led.
The accused was sent to the Male Correctional Centre on Pademba Road in Freetown and the matter was adjourned to 17th October, 2023 for cross examination.
