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A father has taken legal action against his son, who is accused of threatening behavior and causing damage to property.
Israel Cooper, an unemployed man, appeared in court on two charges: using threatening language and maliciously damaging property. The case was heard by Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2.
The incident occurred on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 66 Blacke Hall Road, Western Area, Freetown. According to court records, Israel Cooper allegedly threatened his father, Reverend Joseph Cooper, and tried to provoke a disturbance. The second charge relates to the accused damaging a wooden door valued at One Thousand Leones (NLe 1,000), which belonged to his father.
Reverend Joseph Cooper, who is a pastor, testified in court. He explained that on the day in question, an argument took place between him and his son. Israel reportedly threatened to lock the toilet facilities in the house to stop tenants from using them and even threatened to stab anyone inside. Reverend Cooper said he reported the threat to the police, and about 30 minutes later, a neighbor called to inform him that his son had locked the toilet as promised. When he returned home, Reverend Cooper found that the door had been damaged, leaving the house open.
The accused pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were read in court. He chose to cross-examine his father during the session. Magistrate Bangura denied bail, describing the accused as a potential risk to the community, and remanded him in custody. The case was adjourned to May 1, 2025, for further hearing.
