By: Audrey Raymonda John
Two youths, Mohamed Conteh and Mohamed Sumah, have been sentenced to thirty-six (36) months imprisonment at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 after being found guilty of conspiracy and larceny.
The two were standing trial on two counts of conspiracy contrary to law and larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act, 1916.
According to the particulars of the offence, on Tuesday, 5th May 2026, at Malama Thomas Street, Western Area, Freetown, the accused persons conspired with other persons unknown to commit a felony, to wit: larceny.
The second count stated that on the same date and place, both defendants stole three rolls of sugar lace, five rolls of mekado materials, twenty-seven pieces of wax cotton, and seventy-five yards of American materials, all valued at thirty-seven thousand three hundred and fifty Leones (Le37,350), property of Ramatu Dumbuya.
When the charges were read and explained to them, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant 3379 Theresa Ballay informed the court that the accused persons had no previous criminal records and were first-time offenders. She further told the court that both defendants pleaded for mercy.
Delivering his judgment, Magistrate Fornah said he had considered the submissions from the prosecution as well as the pleas for mercy from the convicts.
The court sentenced both defendants to twelve (12) months imprisonment on the first count of conspiracy, to be served concurrently. On the larceny charge, they were sentenced to thirty-six (36) months imprisonment or, alternatively, to restore the stolen items to the complainant or pay the equivalent value of thirty-seven thousand three hundred and fifty Leones (Le37,350).
The sentence is to run concurrently.