December 10, 2021
By Audrey John
Two Spanish nationals Jose Ramon Gaztelurrutia Ezpeleta 60yrs old , Ander Abona Gaztelurrutia 27yrs old and a Gambian, Landing Sinneh 52yrs old have on the 9th December,2021 made another appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown for preliminary investigation on three court charges of Conspiracy to defraud – Contrary to law, Obtaining credit under false pretenses contrary to Section 13 (1) of the Debtors Act 1869 and Obtaining credit by fraud other than false pretenses contrary to section 13 (1) of the Debtors Act 1869.
According to the particulars of offence, on a date between 30th September and 24th November 2021 at Pearl Hotel, Beach Road, Aberdeen, in the Western Area in Freetown with intent to defraud, conspired together with other persons unknown to defraud the management of Pearl Hotel the Sum of fifteen thousand united States dollars equivalent to one hundred and seventy seven million Leones (177,000,000).
It was also alleged that on the same date and place, the accused persons incurring debt of liability to Pearl Hotel obtained credit to the tune of fifteen thousand United States dollars equivalent to one hundred and seventy seven million Leones (177,000,000) by fraud other than pretenses, property of The Management of Pearl Hotel.
The charges were read but the prosecutor Sergeant 1955 Dwhight Macathy was unable to proceed due to lack of interpreter for the accused persons.
In that light, the presiding Magistrate, Sahr Keikura told defense counsel Walter Gaber that he cannot send the accused person to prison because it is a woefull detention.
He ordered the prosecution Sergeant 9155 Dwight Macarthy to take both accused persons to the Criminal Investigation Department CID Headquarters at Pademba Road in Freetown.
Appearing in court yesterday, the charges were read and translate by a police interpreter from the Criminal Investigation Department.
First accused Jose Ramon Gazetlurrutia objected to the interpreter saying what he was translating was Dutch not Spanish. The interpreter replied that he was the one who translated for them at the time statements was obtained from them.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura said if they pretend not to hear what was translated, they will be in custody until the court provides an interpreter for them.
Magistrate Kekura summoned the Deputy Acting Register Mr. Katta, requesting for the judiciary to assist with a Spanish interpreter.
After two hours stand down, magistrate Sahr Kekura adjourn the matter to the 10th December 2021 expecting an interpreter to surface in order for the prosecution to proceed.