By Mamajah Jalloh
Augustine Smith, a 29-year-old man, was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment or a fine of 3,000 New Leones by Magistrate Shar Kekura at the Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1 for stealing over 28,000 New Leones from the bank account of Salamatu Sankoh using her ATM card.
The accused was charged with one count of larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916. According to the charge sheet, the theft occurred on August 15, 2024, at the United Bank of Africa (UBA) Rawdon Street branch in Freetown.
During the court hearing, Smith pleaded guilty and admitted to the crime. He told the court that he used the stolen funds for a travel-related investment with Q-Net, but the process was unsuccessful.
The complainant, Salamatu Sankoh, testified that while she and the accused have a child together, they are not living together. She explained that Smith often visits her residence, where he gained access to her ATM card. Sankoh further revealed that she had saved the stolen funds in the bank to provide for their child, as Smith had neglected his parental responsibilities.
In a tearful plea, Smith begged the magistrate for leniency, citing his relationship with the complainant and their shared child. However, Magistrate Kekura underscored the seriousness of the offense and the breach of trust involved.
Before handing down the sentence, Magistrate Kekura noted that the theft deprived a child of vital support. Smith was sentenced to serve 24 months at the Male Correctional Facility or pay a fine of 3,000 New Leones to the state.
The case highlights the importance of trust and responsibility in familial relationships and serves as a stern warning against financial misconduct.
