Court Hands 24-Month Sentence to Man Over Fake Land Deal

A 46-year-old man, Alpha Sorbah, has been sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to a charge of obtaining money by false pretences before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown.

Sorbah was convicted on one count of obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

According to the particulars of the offence, on 5 December 2022 at No.24 Pademba Road, Western Area, Freetown, the accused falsely claimed ownership of a plot of land which he allegedly offered for sale. In the process, he obtained the sum of Thirty-Seven Thousand Leones (Le37,000) from the complainant, Victoria Kebbie, with intent to defraud her.

When the charge was read and explained in court, Sorbah pleaded guilty.

Prosecutor Sergeant Florence Wilson informed the court that the convict was a first-time offender and had no previous criminal record.

The accused, who was not represented by legal counsel, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.

In delivering his judgment, Magistrate Fornah noted the seriousness of the offence but also considered the defendant’s guilty plea, expression of remorse, and status as a first-time offender.

The Magistrate subsequently sentenced Sorbah to 24 months’ imprisonment or, alternatively, to repay the sum of Le37,000 to the complainant.

The atmosphere in the courtroom was reportedly solemn as the sentence was handed down, reflecting the gravity of the offence and the court’s commitment to accountability and justice.