By Mamajah Jalloh
In a high-profile overseas travel scam, Joseph Hallowell, a businessman, made his first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown, Monday 27th January 2025, on three count charges- to wit- Conspiracy to defraud- contrary to law, obtaining money by false pretenses- contrary to Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916, and causing money to be paid to another with intent to defraud- contrary to Section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.
According to the particulars of offence, on dates between 1st January and 28th February 2024 at No.3 b Signal Hill- Congo Cross in the Western Area in Freetown, with intent to defraud, the accused conspired together and with other persons unknown to defraud Abass Abdulraham Kamara.
Count Two further states that on the same date and place, the accused person, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of one hundred and fifty-six thousand New Leones (156,000) from Abass Abdulraham Kamara by falsely pretending that he would secure an Australian visa and flight ticket for him to travel to Australia, knowing same to be false.
Count Three furthered that on the same date and place, the accused, with intent to defraud, the accused unlawfully caused money to be paid by Abass Abdulraham Kamara- to wit the sum of one hundred and fifty-six thousand New Leones (156,000)- to Sallieu Sesay, purporting that the accused secure an Australian visa and flight ticket for him to travel to Australia, knowing same to be false
When the charges were read and explained to the accused person, he pleaded guilty on all count charges.
The prosecutor- Assistant Superintendent of Police, Dialla Wellington, revealed to the bench that she had no previous criminal records against the accused person charged.
Magistrate Bangura refused bail and sent the accused person to the male correctional facility in Freetown for records and sentencing.
The matter was adjourned to 29th of January 2025 for continuation of his trial.
