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High Court Judge Justice Adrian Fisher has sentenced Abubakarr Barrie to seven years in prison after convicting him on two counts of fraudulent conversion of property, in violation of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The judgment, delivered on February 27, 2026, followed a full trial in which Christopher Cole Esq. represented the State, and Randy S. Bangura Esq. appeared for the defense.
In his ruling, Justice Fisher determined that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court found that Barrie fraudulently converted to his own use a RENAULT truck registered as AQF 318, valued at €46,000, equivalent to Le 515,538. The vehicle had been entrusted to him for commercial purposes by James Maitland and Ann Marie Sesay.
Barrie was also convicted on a second count related to the fraudulent conversion of Le 400,000, which represented proceeds generated from the commercial operation of the truck.
Justice Fisher emphasized that the case was not merely a contractual dispute but a clear breach of trust. He noted that the property had been given to the convict for a specific business purpose, yet he deliberately converted both the vehicle and its earnings for personal benefit.
The judge observed that fraudulent conversion strikes at the foundation of commercial trust and undermines confidence in business relationships. He stressed that when property is entrusted to an individual, the law imposes a duty of honesty and accountability, and any intentional diversion for personal gain constitutes a serious criminal offense.
Before passing sentence, the court considered the plea in mitigation made on behalf of the convict. However, Justice Fisher ruled that the gravity of the offense—particularly the substantial value of the property involved and the calculated manner of its conversion—warranted a custodial sentence.
Barrie was sentenced to seven years imprisonment on Count I and seven years on Count II, with the sentences to run concurrently.
