Carpenter Jailed for 12 Months for Obtaining Money by False Pretences

Jonathan Sundai, a carpenter, has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after pleading guilty to obtaining money by false pretence. The ruling was handed down today by Magistrate John Manso Fornah at Pademba Road Court No. 2.

Sundai was charged with unlawfully obtaining nine thousand nine hundred leones (Le 9,900) from Isatu Momoh between June 28 and September 30, 2025, at Gwent High, Ringing, Hill Cut Road, Mountain Rural District, Freetown. The defendant allegedly promised to make two wardrobes for the complainant, knowing he had no intention of fulfilling the agreement.

When the charge was read in court, Sundai pleaded guilty to the offence. Prosecutor Detective Police Constable 18235 Thoronka K.K. confirmed that the defendant is a first-time offender.

Sundai appealed for leniency, explaining that he was not legally represented at the time of committing the offence. Taking this into consideration, Magistrate Fornah handed down a sentence of 12 months imprisonment, but provided an alternative: Sundai can either restore the full amount of Le 9,900 or deliver the two wardrobes to the complainant.

The magistrate warned that failure to restitute the money or complete the wardrobes will result in the full prison term being served, underscoring the court’s commitment to both justice and restitution.