By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Justice Alhaji Momoh-Jah Stevens, presiding over 203 cases within the Pademba Road Male Correctional Centre, has handed down sentences to 19 accused persons who were brought before the Magistrates’ Courts for both Summary Trials and Preliminary Investigations. Additionally, he cautioned and discharged 9 others in a bid to expedite trials and alleviate the congestion in correctional facilities across the nation.
This initiative aims to enhance access to justice and streamline the judicial process, ensuring that cases are efficiently handled.
Among those brought before Justice Stevens was Augustine Salia, who pleaded guilty to four counts of Burglary, Wounding with Intent, Wounding, and Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. He received a caution and discharge for counts 3 and 4 but was sentenced to two years in prison for counts 1 and 2.
Christopher Cole, another accused individual who faced two separate charges for Store Breaking and Larceny, received a caution and discharge for the Store Breaking and Larceny charges in one file. However, he was sentenced to 4 years for the second file, which included the charge of Larceny. This sentencing underscores the commitment to addressing criminal activities and ensuring that justice is served. MJB/3/10/2023