Magistrate Albert Moody of the Freetown Magistrate Court No. 1 on Monday 20 November 2017, granted bail to the National Publicity Secretary of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) Lahai Lawrence Leema, on his own recognizance.
On 14 November 2017, Leema was brought before the Court to answer to 11 charges in two separate police files. According to first police file, it is alleged that on 6 November 2017, Leema physically assaulted, acted disorderly and used threatening language on Franklyn Rogers.
In the second file, it is alleged that on the said date that, Leema assaulted and used threatening language on Gerald Sesay and Joseph Kowa and six other staff at the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) building in Freetown. Leema is charged with assault, disorderly behavior and trespassing by the Inspector General of Police. On Friday 17 November 2017, the accused failed to make his second court appearance due to botched efforts of the Correctional Services, who failed to deliver the prisoner to the Courts.
Prior to the granting of bail, the prosecuting officer Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Samuel Kamara, was about to present witnesses to the Court, when Magistrate Moody halted proceedings. According to Magistrate Moody, “I don’t have the necessary energy to proceed today. I cannot proceed with any witnesses today due to some health reasons.”
While applying for bail, the lead defense counsel, Brewa said, “We have credible sureties and the accused is not a flight risk. I will promise this Court that the accused will always come to Court and he will not interfere with witnesses.”
Magistrate Moody noted, “The accused is granted bail on his own recognizance.” The Magistrate adjourned the matter to Wednesday 29 November 2017. MJB/20/11/17
By Mohamed J. Bah
Tuesday November 21, 2017.