Magistrate Tests JSS 2 Pupil’s Grammar Before Setting Him Free in Wounding Case

Magistrate Mustapha Briama Jah, who presides over Pademba Road Court No. 1, has discharged Ansu Kamara, a pupil charged with wounding and assault.

The court’s decision was based on the defendant’s plea in mitigation and his status as a first-time offender and school pupil.

Kamara was arraigned on two counts: wounding, contrary to Section 20 of the Offences Against the Person Act of 1861, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 47 of the same Act.

The indictment alleges that on Thursday, September 4, 2025, in Freetown, Kamara maliciously wounded Mohamed Pizaro Kamara and assaulted him, causing actual bodily harm.

During court proceedings, Kamara pleaded guilty to both charges and begged Magistrate Jah for mercy.

The police prosecutor, ASP Ibrahim Mansaray, noted that the accused was a first-time offender with no previous record before the court. He also presented an audio recording in which Kamara pleaded for leniency.

In delivering his ruling, Magistrate Jah engaged the pupil in a brief oral test, asking him to define “noun” and “verb.” Kamara correctly answered that a noun is the name of a person, animal, place, or thing, and a verb is a describing word.

After considering the defendant’s plea and conduct, Magistrate Jah stated that he was inclined not to impose a custodial sentence, taking into account Kamara’s age, status as a Form Two pupil, and lack of prior offences.

He concluded by cautioning Kamara and discharging him, emphasizing that the decision was based on the circumstances of the case and the defendant’s genuine remorse.