By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone, Ibrahim Marrah on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, made his final appearance for his trial before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No 2 in his judgement, declared the accused not guilty of the offence alleged against him.
As the accused standing in the dock raising his hands towards heaven, which signified praying to God, the Magistrate submitted he was on a single count of Larcency which contravenes Section 2 of the Larcency Act 1916.
According to the particular of offense that you on Thursday 18 July, 2024, at No.2 Yomie Cole Avenue off Leister Road Freetown, did steal Sixty Two (62) Lengths half inch iron rods each valued One Hundred and Sixty Leones (Le 160) the total estimation valued at Nine Thousand Nine Hundred and Twenty Leones (Le 9,920) property of Joyce Johnson Nee Davies.
According to the judgement, the accused was only seen in the compound of the complainant, who alleged that he stole 62 lengths half inch iron rods, but during testimonies tendered none of the witness testified that they saw the accused carrying iron rods outside the compound.
Magistrate Bangura further stated that a case must be proven beyond reasonable doubt to hold the accused accountable as from the testimony of the accused person who stressed that he did not take any of the rods. The accused confirmed that he went into to the compound to call a tenant, but didn’t steal the iron rods.
“The prosecution fails to provide substantial evidence, and in my discretion how an individual carry 62 lengths of iron rod and no one can saw him. So, he is not guilty on the offence levied against him,” he stated.
However, Magistrate Bangura emphasized that the accused is therefore acquitted and discharged of the said case.
