Justice Komba Kamanda (JA) has sentenced Saidu Bangura to 10 years imprisonment at the Male Correctional Centre for sexually abusing an 8 year old girl. According to the state, between 7th and 12th March 2019, Bangura sexually penetrated the 8 year old (name withheld) in Freetown. He was charged with the offence of sexual penetration of a child contrary to Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act of 2020. Delivering his judgment, Justice Komba Kamanda said the prosecution must prove its case beyond reasonable doubt including all the elements of such an offence, among them that the victim must be under the age of 18 when the act was done, the accused must have had the intention of committing the offence, and the act must have been done by the accused.
In her testimony at the Kissy Police Station, the victim’s mother Ramatu said her daughter left the house during the evening hours on the date in question to urinate, when the accused grabbed and took her along the steps, stuffed pieces of clothing in her mouth to prevent her from screaming and sexually penetrated her. She added that after the accused finished raping her, the victim was unable to walk upright due to the severe pain sustained during her ordeal.
The judge also read the police witness’ testimony together with other testimonies including the doctor’s report in court, and noted that the prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt and found the accused guilty. Before sentencing the convict, his lawyer M.S. Kallon pleaded for mercy on his behalf, saying Bangura is a young man with a bright future to see through.
Despite his plea in mitigation, the judge sentenced Bangura to 10 years imprisonment at the Male Correctional Centre, Pademba Road.
By Mohamed J. Bah