13-years-old, Juliana and 31-years-old Mabinty Kamara, Ramatu Kamara, 31,made their first appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Road Magistrate Court No.1 in Freetown.

They were standing trial on two count charges conspiracy to commit a crime, and larceny contrary to section 2 of the Larceny Act 1916.

According to the particulars on a date unknown between August to October 2024, at No. 1 Thompson Drive Congo Cross Freetown, conspired together and with other persons unknown to steal Ten Thousand Six Hundred United State Dollars ($10,600) equivalent to Two Hundred and Forty Thousand and Seventeen Leones (NLE240,017.00) properties of Wilhelmina Thompson.

When the charges were read and explained to the accused persons no plea taken.

Assistant Supt of police Ibrahim Mansaray was lead prosecution witness number one. And Wilhelmina Thompson, a pensioner said she did recognize all accused persons at the dock.

She did recall between August and October 2024 that which transpired between the accused persons and herself.

On that day, she was at home when the third accused person met her and told her that she wished her daughter (the first accused) to stay with her.

The witness said that she replied in the affirmative. Staggering to give out testimony, the police prosecutor applied for an adjournment in order to get proper conference with the prosecuting witness number one.

Defending the accused A. Mansaray Esq applied for bail for and on behalf of the accused, stating that they are ordinarily residents within the jurisdiction of the court. He added by saying that the accused persons have reliable sureties who are willing and ready to go into their recognisance on their behalf.

Pleading with the bench for and on behalf of all accused persons, specifically, the defense told the bench that the first accused person is a juvenile and that she is just thirteen years old, adding that she is a school going child.

The defense continued  plead by saying the second accused person is a lactating mother and that denying her bail would have ripple effect on her baby.

Referencing section 79 (2&3) of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965.

Having heard the bail application made by the defense counsel, Magistrate Kekura granted the juvenile bail in the sum of Le5,000 Leones with two sureties in like sum sureties must be resident here in Freetown ad to produce valid identity card depicting his or her address in Freetown bail is refused to both the second and third accused persons.

The matter was adjourned to 23rd December 2024.