Kenema Teenager Acquitted of Sexual Offence Charges by High Court

A 17-year-old pupil (Name Witheld) and resident of Kenema City, has been acquitted and discharged by the High Court of Sierra Leone in Kenema. The judgment was delivered by Hon. Justice Abdul Sheriff.

He was arraigned on charges of Sexual Penetration (SP) contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act 2012, as amended by Section 4(a)(ii) of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act, 2019, and Sexual Touching of a Child contrary to Section 20(1)(a) of the Sexual Offences Act No.12 of 2012.

The charges, read in court by Registrar Thomas E. L. Sam, alleged that on October 18, 2024, in Kenema City, Fofanah engaged in sexual penetration of a child under the age of consent, specifically a 10-year-old. He was further accused of intentionally touching the child in a sexual manner on the same date and at the same location.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to both counts. In its case, the prosecution, led by State Counsel and Customary Law Officer Andrew F. Kamara, presented four witnesses.

After hearing the evidence, the High Court found him not guilty of the charges and acquitted and discharged him.

He was represented in court by Defence Counsel Samuel S. Pessima of the Legal Aid Board.

The case highlights the judicial process in handling serious allegations involving minors while ensuring that defendants are afforded their right to a fair trial.