Hon. Justice Adrian Fisher who presided over two hundred and five (205) cases in the Prison Court Exercise at the Kambia Correctional Facility, acquitted and discharged thirty-two inmates who were summarily tried and sentenced by the district Magistrate Court.
The decision to acquit and discharge convicts is exercised in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Laws of Sierra Leone which deals with summary review of Magistrate Courts cases.
The Hon. Justice Fisher was initially allocated hundred and ninety seven (197), but had eight (8) more added, bringing it to a total of total 205. The offences looked into range from Larceny, unlawful possession of drugs, fraudulent conversion among others.
Among the 52 convicts, Hon Justice Fisher reduced the sentences of nine (9) and upheld the convictions of 12 others.
Among the twelve (12) inmates on remand, one was admitted to bail, two others on bail had their bail revoked, two bail conditions varied and 6 bail conditions upheld, among others.
Addressing the inmates acquitted and discharged, Hon. Justice Fisher acknowledged the term of imprisonment and pointed out that it was not commensurate to the weight of the offences committed, but as well a way to reduce criminals in the society.
Hon. Justice Fisher therefore encouraged young people especially women to stay away from the misuse of drugs especially kush and try to be useful to their parents and Sierra Leone.
He added that even though the Prison Court aims at decongesting the Correctional Centres through fair and effective justice delivery to reduce government expenditure, those who are of imminent threats to the peace of the country should be kept away.
He also encouraged the released inmates to either go back to school or engage in any profitable activities.
Fines were as well paid in lue of imprisonment for few inmates.
Also part of the exercise, were State Counsel P. L. Williams and Defence Counsel I. Samba from the Legal Aid board.
Credit: Judiciary Communications Department
