Carpenter Gets Prison or Wardrobe Restitution for Fraud

Carpenter Gets Prison or Wardrobe Restitution for Fraud

Jonathan Sundai, a carpenter, was convicted of obtaining money by false pretence at Pademba Road Court No.2 on Thursday, January 8th, 2026, before Magistrate John Manso Fornah.

Mr. Sundai faced a charge alleging that between June 28th and September 30th, 2025, in Freetown’s Mountain Rural District, he deceitfully acquired Nine Thousand Nine Hundred Leones (Le 9,900) from Isatu Momoh. The charge stipulated that Mr. Sundai falsely promised to construct two wardrobes, knowing he lacked the intention or ability to fulfil the agreement.

Upon arraignment, Mr. Sundai entered a plea of guilty. The police prosecutor, Police Constable 18235, noted that this was the defendant’s first offence and requested leniency.

Appearing remorseful, Mr. Sundai, who was legally represented, pleaded with the magistrate for mercy and expressed his willingness to provide restitution.

Magistrate Fornah accepted the guilty plea and acknowledged Mr. Sundai’s status as a first-time offender. The magistrate’s ruling sentenced Mr. Sundai to twelve months’ imprisonment or, as an alternative, required him to fully restore the Le 9,900 to the complainant and provide the two promised wardrobes.

The court explicitly stated that failure to satisfy either of these conditions would result in the full prison sentence being served.

This judgment reinforces the judiciary's stance on the necessity of integrity in business dealings, sending a clear message that fraudulent activities will incur appropriate legal sanctions.