By: Audrey Raymonda John
Twelve youths appeared before Magistrate Mary Julian Gbloh in Pademba Road Court No. 5, Freetown, on charges of Idle and Disorderly Person and Rogue and Vagabond, both offenses under the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965. The defendants included Mohamed Bangura, Ibrahim Joseph Koroma, Bangalie Kargbo, Mohamed Jalloh, Abdul Samura, Chukwu Charlie, Mohamed Marrah, Ibrahim Jalloh, Morlia Kamara, Isaac Hope, and Mohamed Obai Tarawalie.
According to the particulars of the offense, on Monday, October 27th, 2025, at the Lumley Lorry Terminal on Beach Road, Lumley, in the western area of Freetown, the accused were found loitering and behaving in an idle and disorderly manner.
The second count stated that, on the same date and at the same location, the defendants were loitering with the intent to commit a crime.
When the charges were read and explained to the defendants, they all pleaded guilty.
The prosecutor, Sergeant Umu Jalloh (Badge No. 9906), informed the Magistrate that there were no previous criminal records for the defendants. She also produced and tendered the voluntary caution statements and charge statements of all the defendants in court.
In plea mitigation, counsel A.R. Jalloh, representing the defendants, argued that they had pleaded guilty to both charges and had not wasted the court’s time. She expressed regret that the defendants found themselves in this situation and pleaded with the Magistrate to temper justice with mercy. She also requested that the Magistrate impose a reasonable fine on the defendants instead of a harsh punishment.
Before delivering her judgment, Magistrate Gbloh gave a brief advisory to the defendants, urging them to contribute meaningfully to society by engaging in positive activities. She advised them to avoid public gatherings that could lead to similar charges in the future. The Magistrate emphasized that the goal of the law was not to punish young people or send them to prison but to protect lives and property.
After considering the plea mitigation, Magistrate Gbloh cautioned and discharged all the defendants. She further admonished them to go back and contribute meaningfully to society.