Swift Justice: Ten-Year Sentence for Housebreaking and Larceny

Jusu Kallon, also known as "Justice," has been sentenced to ten years' imprisonment by Justice Manuela AJ Harding for charges of housebreaking and larceny.

The case was concluded within three months of its assignment to Justice Harding by His Lordship the Honourable Chief Justice in March 2025. Justice Harding reiterated her commitment to expeditious justice, assuring all litigants that cases under her purview would be resolved swiftly. She encouraged cooperation between the prosecution and defense to ensure efficient judicial proceedings.

Kallon faced a two-count indictment for housebreaking and larceny, in violation of Section 26(1) of the Larceny Act, 1916. The particulars of the offense state that Kallon allegedly illicitly entered the residence of Josephus Choe Junior Mamie at W7 Spur Loop, Freetown, and absconded with various items, including perfume, T-shirts, a solar light, bags, pairs of trousers, a Bluetooth speaker, Le 200 in cash, and a wristwatch, among other valuables.

Attorney Rogers, representing the State, requested a trial by judge alone, as per Section 144(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1965, amended by Section 3 of the Criminal Procedure Amendment Act No. 19 of 1981. This application was granted without objection.

The charges were read and explained to the accused in Krio, to which Justice Kallon pleaded guilty and requested leniency.

In her judgment, Justice Harding sentenced Kallon to ten years in prison, with concurrent five-year terms for each count. The judge emphasized that "the purpose of this conviction is to serve as a deterrent to the accused and other potential offenders."

Additionally, Justice Harding ordered the accused to pay Le 20,000 (Twenty Thousand Leones) in costs to the complainant, Josephus Choe Junior Mamie. The court also mandated the restitution of the stolen items or their monetary equivalent to the complainant.

This swift and decisive judgment highlights the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice and deterring criminal activity.