Joseph Hallowell a businessman made his first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown on three count charges to wit conspiracy to defraud contrary to law, obtaining money by false pretences contrary to section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916 and causing money to be paid to another with intent to defraud contrary to section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.

According to the particulars of offence, on dates between 1st January and 28th February, 2024 at No.3B Signal Hill Rd. Congo Cross, western area in Freetown with intent to defraud, conspired together and with other persons unknown to defraud Abass Abdulraham Kamara.

Count two further stated that on the same date and place the accused person with intent to defraud obtained the sum of one hundred and fifty six thousand leones(156,000) from Abass Abdulraham Kamara by falsely pretending that he would secure an Australian visa and flight ticket for him to travel to Australia knowing same to be false.

Count three further stated that on the same date and place, the accused with intent to defraud, unlawfully caused money to be paid by Abass Abdulraham Kamara to wit the sum of one hundred and fifty six thousand leones (156,000) to Sallieu Sesay purporting that he would secure an Australian visa and flight tickets for him to travel to Australia knowing same to be false.

When the charges were read and explained to the accused person, he pleaded guilty on all counts charges.

The prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police Dialla Wellington told the bench the fact as charged no previous criminal records against the accused person.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Bangura refused bail and sent the accused person to the male correctional facility in Freetown for records and sentence and matter adjourned to 29th, January 2024.