By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Acting Chief Justice Nicholas Browne Marke presided over the September 2024 High Court Criminal Session of the Judiciary of Sierra Leone, which opened with a total of 94 cases listed for trial.
The session commenced with a formal guard of honour parade by the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in front of the main Law Court Building on Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown.
Among the cases are 27 involving house, office, or store breaking and larceny, 12 for wounding with intent, 10 related to unlawful possession of kush, 8 for robbery with aggravation, and 7 for murder. Other charges include treason, sacrilege, conspiracy to defraud, embezzlement, fraudulent conversion, dangerous driving, and careless driving.
During the court proceedings at Court No. 1, Acting Chief Justice Browne Marke addressed cases involving accused individuals who either pleaded guilty or not guilty. Bail was granted, and sentences were delivered in cases related to breaking and entering, conspiracy to defraud, embezzlement, and similar offences.
The court has adjourned several cases for further trial, with the next hearings scheduled for the following week. Lawyer Ahmed Fames (AJ) Bokarie is representing the State, while Cecelia Tucker from the Legal Aid Board is representing the accused.
The calling-over session will continue today, September 17, 2024, at High Court No. 1. MJB/18/9/2024
