Businessman Lands 18-Month Jail Term Over $300 Theft

Mohamed Kargbo, a 41-year-old businessman, has been sentenced to 18 months imprisonment after pleading guilty to a charge of larceny at Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.

Kargbo appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, after he was accused of stealing US$300 from a complainant.

The court heard that on September 7, 2026, at Model New Road Ataya Base in Freetown, Kargbo stole US$300, which the court records valued at Le7,200.

The charge alleged that Kargbo unlawfully took the money belonging to the complainant.

When the charge was read and explained to him, Kargbo pleaded guilty.

The prosecutor, Police Constable H. M. Foray, tendered Kargbo’s voluntary caution statement and charge statement as exhibits A1-6 and B1-2, respectively.

The prosecutor also informed the court that Kargbo was a first-time offender.

In mitigation, Kargbo pleaded with the magistrate for mercy and asked the court not to impose a harsh sentence. He expressed remorse over his actions and urged the court to temper justice with mercy.

In sentencing him, Magistrate Fornah said he had taken into consideration Kargbo’s status as a first-time offender, his plea for mercy, and the circumstances surrounding the offence.

The magistrate also noted that Kargbo had deprived the complainant of US$300, which the court records valued at Le7,200.

Magistrate Fornah subsequently sentenced Kargbo to 18 months imprisonment, with an alternative order to repay the stolen US$300, or its equivalent of Le7,200, to the complainant.

The court further ordered that Kargbo serve the custodial sentence if he fails to meet the alternative repayment condition.