The Hon. Justice Albert Moody, presiding over eighty six (86) cases in the ongoing Prison Court Exercise at the Moyamba Correctional Facility has acquitted and discharged thirteen (13) inmates who were sentenced by the Magistrate’s Court.
The Convicts: Mariama Jalloh, Amid Charles, Francis Blango, Tommy Kainwo, Bob Mayango, Okarie Evidence Arisi and three others were acquitted and discharged in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Laws of Sierra Leone which deals with summary review of magistrates’ courts cases.
The Hon. Judge also acquitted and discharged Edward Margai and Sheku Senesie on time spent. The two were convicted of larceny. The convictions of Mohamed Kamara and Charles Williams were reduced to twelve (12) months respectively.
Addressing the inmates acquitted and discharged, Hon. Justice Moody said he knew the years of imprisonment did not commensurate to the weight of the offenses committed, adding that the fines are also very high for someone living in that part of the country.
He beseeched the released inmates to either go back to school or engage in any profitable activities.
Conversely, Hon. Justice A. Moody upheld the sentences of Mathew Kamara, Abu Samba, Solomon Suluku, Lansana Conteh, Gbassay Morovia and six others who were convicted of larceny including Larceny Bailee.
He noted that even though the aim of the Prison Court is to decongest the Correctional Centres through fair and effective justice delivery and to reduce government expenditure, those who are threats to the peace and stability of the State should be incarcerated in the interest of justice and judicial fairness.
The assigned Judges are mandated by the Acting Chief Justice, Hon. Justice N. C. Browne- Marke to review the convictions of inmates convicted by Magistrate’s Courts across the country to ascertain whether the Magistrate exceeded their sentencing powers.
