Twelve Youths Caution and Discharged on Idle and Disorderly Persons Offences

Twelve Youths Caution and Discharged on Idle and Disorderly Persons Offences

Magistrate Mary Julian Gbloh of Pademba Road Court No. 5 in Freetown cautioned and discharged twelve youths who appeared before her on Thursday 30th October 2025 on charges of being idle and disorderly, and loitering with intent to commit a crime.

The defendants—Mohamed Bangura, Ibrahim Joseph Koroma, Bangalie Kargbo, Mohamed Jalloh, Abdul Samura, Chukwu Charlie, Mohamed Marrah, Ibrahim Jalloh, Morlia Kamara, Isaac Hope, and Mohamed Obai Tarawalie—were first arraigned on two counts under the Public Order Act No. 46 of 1965. 

The charges alleged that on Monday, October 27th, 2025, at Lumley Lorry Terminal on Beach Road, Lumley, they were found to be idle and disorderly persons and loitering with intent to commit a crime.

When the charges were read and explained to the defendants, they all pleaded guilty. Prosecutor Sergeant Umu Jalloh tendered their voluntary caution statements and charged statements, confirming that there were no previous criminal records against them.

Counsel for the defendants, A.R. Jalloh, made a plea for mitigation, noting that the youths had pleaded guilty and had not wasted court time. He appealed to the magistrate for leniency, emphasizing that the defendants found themselves in this situation through no malicious intent and urging for a reasonable fine rather than imprisonment.

In her ruling, Magistrate Gbloh advised the youths to contribute positively to society by engaging in meaningful activities. 

She emphasized that the law’s purpose is not to punish young people but to protect lives and property. After considering the plea and mitigation, she cautioned the defendants and discharged them, further admonishing them to refrain from unlawful gatherings and to make constructive use of their time for the benefit of the community.