The Supreme Court Judge presiding over the October Criminal Session in Bonthe District, Hon. Justice Abdulai M. Bangura (JSC), has concluded the district’s two-week special criminal court session, sentencing 15 individuals on charges ranging from wounding and larceny to sexual offenses.

The special session, held under the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Act 1965, processed 33 completed cases out of 79 being adjudicated.

Among those convicted, Amidu Sheku received a 12-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to Wounding with Intent, while Ibrahim Senesie was sentenced to 10 months for a two-count charge of wounding. His sentences will run concurrently.

Alimamy Mansaray and David Cole each faced two years in prison for Conspiracy to Commit Larceny and Killing Cattle. Another convict, Munda Bangalie, was sentenced to 10 months for Fraudulent Conversion after admitting guilt. Morrison Amara received a 22-month prison term following his conviction for House Breaking and Larceny.

In a case of fraudulent conversion, Sallu Koroma was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay NLe 20,000 in compensation for misappropriating funds intended for the purchase of over 60 bags of Garri. Additional convictions included Nabieu Bendu and Alpha Gobeh, both sentenced to 10 months for larceny-related offenses, while Aruna Feika received a 15-month sentence for Wounding with Intent. Mohamed Sheriff and Karim Sheriff each received 12 months for Larceny.

Three individuals were sentenced for sexual offenses. Mannah Bockarie and Mussa Kargbo each received 15 years in prison, while Alicious Momodu Mbayoh was sentenced to 10 years for Sexual Penetration.

Prosecution for these cases was led by State Counsel Ballah Sesay, with defense provided by Abu Kuntar Jawara of the Legal Aid Board. The High Court Criminal Sessions facilitate the timely processing of cases pending in Magistrates’ Courts and other indictments, aiming to bring justice swiftly to Sierra Leone’s rural districts.