Court Jails Man 10 Years for Stealing Aluminum Motor and Assorted Items in Kono

Mohamed Tarawalie has been convicted and sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for store breaking and larceny.

High Court Judge Justice Santigie Bangura handed down the sentence on Monday, November 10, 2025, at the Kono High Court, after finding Tarawalie guilty of the offence.

Tarawalie was arraigned on a single count of store breaking and larceny, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916. The court heard that on May 18, 2025, in Kono, Eastern Province, he broke into the store of Yei Queewa Solleh and stole an aluminum motor and other assorted items valued at Le1,355.

When the charge was read, Tarawalie pleaded guilty. The prosecution, led by Lawyer C.R. Sesay, urged the court to accept the plea and impose an appropriate sentence.

In his plea for leniency, Tarawalie told the court that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offense and promised not to reoffend.

Defense counsel A.O. Kamara described Tarawalie as a first-time offender and appealed to the court for mercy.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Bangura acknowledged the guilty plea and mitigation arguments but stressed the seriousness of the offense. He noted that a firm sentence was necessary to deter others from committing similar crimes.

Consequently, the judge sentenced Tarawalie to 10 years’ imprisonment.