Magistrate Fornah Slams 12 Months Jail Term On 2 Youths
By: Alimatu Kargbo
Two young men, Abdul Rahman Cole, a 21-year-old painter, and Santigie Kanu, an 18-year-old labourer, have been sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment by Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2 in Freetown after pleading guilty to charges of conspiracy and malicious damage, contrary to Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act of 1861.
According to the particulars of offence, on Friday, 5 December 2025, at Murray Town in the Western Area of Freetown, the two accused allegedly conspired together with other persons unknown to commit malicious damage.
The prosecution further alleged that on the same date and at the same location, the accused maliciously damaged assorted boat engine cables and rubber pipes valued at US$80,000, equivalent to Le189,600, property of Osman Sow.
When the charges were read and explained to them in court, both accused persons pleaded guilty.
Led in evidence by the prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Isatu Baba Musa informed the court that the facts were as charged and disclosed that both defendants had no previous criminal records, describing them as first-time offenders.
In mitigation, both convicts pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy.
Delivering his judgment, Magistrate Fornah said he had taken into consideration the prosecution’s submission that the convicts were first-time offenders, as well as their pleas for mercy. He consequently sentenced both convicts to 12 months’ imprisonment each, effective from the date the matter commenced in court, including the period already spent in detention. The sentences are to run concurrently.
