1 Comment 
The High Court of Sierra Leone has sentenced Shekuba Mansaray to fifteen years imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the sexual penetration of a 12-year-old girl in Kono District.
Justice Santigie Ibrahim Sorie Bangura handed down the sentence after Mansaray was charged with one count of sexual penetration of a child, which violates Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act 2012, as amended by the 2019 Amendment Act.
According to the indictment, the offense occurred on August 19, 2025, involving a girl under the age of 18. Mansaray pleaded guilty upon the charge being read.
State Counsel C. R. Sesay urged the court to accept the plea but emphasized the need for a severe punishment, noting that the accused reportedly had a record of approximately five previous convictions within the same judicial district.
Mansaray’s defense counsel, A. O. Kamara, sought leniency, arguing that the guilty plea demonstrated genuine repentance and cooperation. Mansaray also expressed deep remorse and vowed not to repeat the act.
In delivering his judgment, Justice Bangura acknowledged the mitigating factors but condemned the seriousness of the crime.
“The conduct of the convict is heinous and must be condemned in society,” the judge stated. Justice Bangura stressed that such acts threaten the victim’s physical and emotional well-being and cause lasting harm, requiring the court to take a firm stance to deter similar behavior.
That is justice done for the family. A very good precedent. Others will see this and refrain from doing such.