Petty Trader Receives Six-Month Sentence for Crimes

Petty Trader Receives Six-Month Sentence for Crimes

Mohamed Kamara, a 26-year-old petty trader, received a six-month custodial sentence from Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown. The sentence was imposed following Kamara's guilty plea to three separate charges: theft, malicious damage, and throwing missiles.

The indictment detailed the three counts against Kamara. The first count alleged that on October 28, 2025, at #50 Farah Lane, Mountain Aureole in the Mountain Rural District, he stole five hundred Leones (Nle500) from Adama Kandeh. The second count specified that on the same date and location, he intentionally damaged Kandeh's zinc roof, an asset valued at one thousand one hundred thirty Leones (Nle1,130). The third count charged him with throwing stones at residents during the incident, constituting an offense under section 6 of the Public Order Act No.46 of 1965.

Kamara entered a guilty plea when the charges were formally read. Deputy Superintendent of Police Sorie Conteh, the prosecuting officer, informed the court that the defendant had no prior criminal convictions and subsequently tendered Kamara’s voluntary caution and charge statements as part of the court record.

Appearing without legal representation, the defendant presented a plea for leniency, requesting the court to exercise judicial clemency. Magistrate Fornah considered the defendant's plea and mitigating factors, noting that this was Kamara’s first offense and that his prompt guilty plea had conserved judicial time.

Consequently, Magistrate Fornah sentenced Kamara to a total of six months imprisonment, with a two-month sentence imposed on each count, to be served consecutively.