The Accused, Abdul Conteh, has been fined Le500 or faces three years imprisonment after pleading guilty to obtaining money by pretense, contrary to Section 32(1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.

Conteh appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2, where he was charged with defrauding Musa Kamara of a blue Star TV motorbike valued at NLe 24,250 on December 19, 2024, at Bottom Bango, Wilberforce, Freetown.

According to the prosecution, Conteh falsely claimed he intended to use the motorbike for commercial purposes and would make regular payments to the complainant, but he failed to comply with the agreement.

After pleading guilty, Magistrate Bangura considered that the defendant was a first-time offender and had not wasted the court’s time. With the prosecution agreeing to let Conteh repay the cost of the motorbike, the magistrate sentenced him to either pay a fine of Le500 immediately or serve three years in prison.

Conteh was ordered to pay for the motorbike immediately to settle the matter or face three years imprisonment.