Man Sentenced to 7-Year Jail Term Over €46,000 Truck Fraud

Justice Adrian Fisher has sentenced Abubakarr Barrie to seven years’ imprisonment after finding him guilty on two counts of fraudulent conversion of property contrary to the Larceny Act 1916.

The judgment, delivered on 27th February 2026 in Freetown, followed a full trial in which the State was represented by Christopher Cole Esq., while the accused was defended by Randy S. Bangura Esq.

In his ruling, Justice Fisher held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The Court found that Barrie fraudulently converted to his own use a RENAULT truck with registration number AQF 318, valued at Forty-Six Thousand Euros (€46,000), equivalent to Five Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Five Hundred and Thirty-Eight Leones (Le 515,538).

The vehicle had been entrusted to him by James Maitland and Ann Marie Sesay for commercial purposes.

The Court further convicted him on a second count relating to the fraudulent conversion of Four Hundred Thousand Leones (Le 400,000), being proceeds generated from the commercial operation of the said truck.

Justice Fisher emphasized that the matter was not a mere contractual dispute but a clear breach of trust. He noted that the property had been entrusted to the convict for a specific business purpose, yet he deliberately converted both the vehicle and its proceeds for his personal benefit.

The judge observed that fraudulent conversion strikes at the heart of commercial trust and undermines confidence in business relationships. He stressed that when property is entrusted to an individual, the law imposes a duty of honesty and accountability, and any intentional diversion for personal gain constitutes a serious criminal offence.

Before passing sentence, the Court considered the plea in mitigation advanced on behalf of the convict. However, Justice Fisher ruled that the gravity of the offence, particularly the substantial value of the property involved and the calculated manner in which it was converted, warranted a custodial sentence.

Abubakarr Barrie was accordingly sentenced to seven (7) years imprisonment on Count I and seven (7) years imprisonment on Count II, with the sentences to run concurrently.

The conviction followed detailed evidence led by State Counsel Christopher Cole Esq., who established the essential elements of fraudulent conversion, including entrustment, conversion, and dishonest intent.

The Court’s verdict reflects its acceptance of the prosecution’s structured presentation of evidence and legal submissions under the Larceny Act.