29-years- old Mariatu Bangura, a nanny has made another appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown.
She was standing on one count for Child Cruelty which is contrary to children Act (cap 31) of the Laws of Sierra Leone 1960.
According to the particulars of offence on Friday 19th January 2024 at #3 off Spur Road, Lumley the Western Area in Freetown did treat Rhea Baydoun age one year in a cruel manner.
The said child is the daughter of Zanib Baydoun.
The accused has been working as nanny for Mrs Baydoun.
Assistant Superintendent of police Isatu Baba Musa Led prosecution witness number one Sergeant 9909 Kadiatu Kobba attached to the family support unit Lumley police station Freetown.
She recognized the accused person, the victim and the complainant in this matter and she recalled that on the 19th January 2024 whilst on duty at the said office the complainant came and made a report of Child cruelty herself.
And that Inspector Grace Mansaray immediately interviewed the complainant and her witnesses during the time.
The complainant showed her a video in his mobile phone extracted from a CCTV footage through which she came to know that the accused had been beating her Child. The witness said they arrested the accused and took her to the police station. She issued a police medical request form to the complainant for medical attention of the victim which they later returned with and since then it had been in the custody of the police.
A police medical request form was produced and tendered in court to form part of the court records, and on the 20th January she obtained caution statement from the accused person in krio language, and which was recorded in English language.
At the conclusion of the statement, it was read over and explained to the accused person which she admitted to be true and correct agreeing to having afflicted the girl’s right hand.
On the 22nd January 2024 the cyber unit of the Sierra Leone Police in respect of this matter Sergeant 11640 Conteh J.T proceeded to the crime scene where he took photographs and collected the data from the camera.
They wrote a comprehensive report and sent the file to be DPP for advice and the file was later returned to her.
And at this juncture, the Prosecutor sought for a short adjournment date, and
Counsel was representing the accused person while A.B Bangura Esq applied for bail for, and on behalf of the accused person.
He applied on the condition that she is a Sierra Leonean and a resident within this jurisdiction and that she has reliable sureties.
Meanwhile Magistrate Bangura refused bail and sent the accused person to the female correctional facility in Freetown matter adjourned to the 9th May 2024.