Scrap Metal Dealer Sentenced to 18 Months for Theft and Malicious Damage

Julius Aruna Mongoh, a twenty-year-old scrap metal dealer, received an eighteen-month prison sentence following his conviction for theft and malicious damage at the Government Printing Department in Freetown.

Mr. Mongoh appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Court No.1, facing charges of malicious damage under section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861, and larceny under section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.

Court proceedings revealed that on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Government Printing Department in New England Ville, Mr. Mongoh allegedly damaged four air conditioning units, each valued at thirty thousand Leones, amounting to a total of 120,000 Leones, the property of the government.

Additionally, the charges claimed that on the same date and location, Mr. Mongoh stole the aforementioned four air conditioning units, valued at 120,000 Leones.

Mr. Mongoh pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution, led by Inspector Kadie M. Taylor, presented four witnesses, including security personnel and the exhibit clerk, who provided evidence linking Mr. Mongoh to the alleged offenses. Mr. Mongoh, representing himself, cross-examined the witnesses and relied on a statement made to the police, in which he denied the allegations.

In his judgment, Magistrate Kekura concluded that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence indicated that Mr. Mongoh was apprehended while attempting to scale the fence with copper materials, later identified as property of the Government Printing Department.

Magistrate Kekura referenced the case of Woolavington vs D.P.P in support of the determination of Mr. Mongoh's guilt.

The accused requested leniency, stating that this was his first conviction. Taking this into account, Magistrate Kekura imposed a sentence of eighteen months at the correctional center or a fine of two thousand Leones payable to the state.