Air Conditioner Theft Case: One Guilty Plea, Bail Granted

Air Conditioner Theft Case: One Guilty Plea, Bail Granted

On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown convened to preside over the ongoing litigation concerning the alleged theft of an air conditioning unit. 

The defendants, identified as Sylvester Sandy, a 28-year-old laborer, and Sulaiman Koroma, a 52-year-old panel beater, face formal charges of larceny and the receipt of stolen property, respectively.

Official police records indicate that the incident transpired on March 2, 2026, on Jakily Drive, Morjay Town, where Mr. Sandy purportedly misappropriated an air conditioner valued at twelve thousand leones (Le12,000) belonging to Angela Harding. 

The second defendant, Mr. Koroma, is alleged to have received the stolen item at his residence on Peninsular Road with prior knowledge of its illicit origin.

The prosecution has informed the court that amicable settlement discussions are currently in progress. Representatives of Mr. Koroma’s family have initiated contact with the complainant to offer full restitution. To date, a partial payment of Le6,000 has been remitted by Mr. Koroma and formally acknowledged by the complainant.

Upon the formal reading of the charges, Sylvester Sandy entered a plea of not guilty, whereas Sulaiman Koroma entered a plea of guilty. 

Magistrate John Manso Fornah granted bail to Mr. Koroma in the amount of Le10,000, contingent upon the provision of a surety who is a reputable resident of Freetown with valid identification. The proceedings have been adjourned until May 26, 2026.

The court noted that these active negotiations and financial remunerations serve as a concerted effort to resolve the dispute through restitution and reconciliation, potentially precluding the necessity of a full trial.