Father and Daughter Jailed 30 Years for Conspiracy and Murder in Kenema

The High Court of Sierra Leone sitting in Kenema has sentenced two family members, Sarah Thompson, a school pupil, and her father Solomon Thompson, a physically challenged man, both of No. 53 Dama Road in Kenema, to a combined 30 years imprisonment for conspiracy and murder.

The judgment was delivered by His Lordship, Hon. Justice Abdul Sheriff, following their conviction on two counts of conspiracy and murder contrary to law.

Court Registrar Thomas B. L. Sam read the charges to the accused persons, informing the court that on June 24, 2022, at Dama Road in Kenema City, the two defendants allegedly conspired with unknown individuals and murdered Mohamed Sama. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) No. 32 of 1965, which was in operation at the commencement of the trial, a 12-member jury was empanelled to hear the case. The prosecution called six witnesses to establish its case.

The prosecution alleged that on the day in question, Sarah Thompson was involved in a quarrel with Mariama Setuah. It was further stated that the deceased, Mohamed Sama, intervened and warned Solomon Thompson, the father of Sarah Thompson, to restrain his daughter from assaulting Mariama Setuah, who reportedly had underlying health conditions.

The situation reportedly escalated, and witnesses told the court that Solomon Thompson held the deceased firmly under his arm while Sarah Thompson struck him repeatedly with a bench on his back, neck, and waist until he collapsed. The victim was later rushed to hospital, where he received treatment but died a few days later.

During the trial, the Criminal Procedure Act No. 8 of 2024 came into force. The prosecution informed the court that Section 198 of the new Act had repealed the earlier CPA of 1965. Consequently, an application was made for the jury to be discharged, which was granted. The court then ordered that the trial proceed before a judge alone, pursuant to Section 133(a) of the CPA 2024.

In their defence, Sarah Thompson testified on oath and called a witness, while Solomon Thompson elected to rely on his statements made to the police.

At the conclusion of the trial, both defendants were found guilty.

During mitigation, defence counsel Patrick Kamara appealed to the court for leniency, describing the convicts as father and daughter and noting that the deceased was also a relative. He further pleaded that the court temper justice with mercy, stating that the convicts had shown remorse.

However, considering the gravity of the offence and the guilty verdict, Justice Abdul Sheriff sentenced Sarah Thompson and Solomon Thompson to fifteen (15) years imprisonment each, bringing the total sentence to 30 years.