By- Audrey Raymonda John

Rashid Bangura a businessman made his first appearance before Magistrate Peter Brima Gogra of Pademba road court No.6 in Freetown on a private criminal summon on one count charge to wit Obtaining Goods by False pretense contrary to section 32 (1) of the Larceny Act 1916.

According to the particulars of offence, on diverse dates between 1st to 31st July 2021 at Hill Cut road in the western area of Freetown with intent to defraud certain properties that is to say one Nissan Vehicle with registration number ALB 141 valued at the sum of NLe24, 000 (Twenty Four Thousand Leones) and promise to pay the said amount for the vehicle to the complainant Tamba Sandi knowing same to be false.

The charge was read and explained to the accused who pleaded not guilty to the offense.

Counsel representing the complainant P.D Kamara led Prosecution witness number one (PW1) who is the complainant to testify on oath.

Tamba Sandi a mechanic said he recognized the accused and came to know him as a result of his Nissan vehicle in July 2021.

He said that he recalled on the said month of July 2021 when something transpire between himself and the accused person.

The complainant said he was having the said vehicle when one Chief Sinnah approached and asked him the problem of the vehicle which he explained to him. PW1 said chief Sinnah introduced the accused, Rashid Bangura to him and the accused went and examined the vehicle.

The PW 1 said he told the accused person that he wanted the sum of NLe35, 000 (Thirty Five million old Leones) for the vehicle and they agreed on the sum of NLe24, 000 (Twenty Four million old Leones) which PW1 said the accused person agreed to paid the said amount in installment.

The witness said he handed over the vehicle to the accused person while Chief Sinnah and some other persons were present; adding that the witness said the accused person failed to pay him the money and did not return back his vehicle.

Counsel representing the accused H. Thullah applied for bail for and on behalf of the accused person praying that the accused is a Sierra Leonean resident within the jurisdiction and that he has reliable and credible sureties who are willing and ready to go into recognizance on his behalf, adding that the accuse will not interfere with the Prosecution’s witness or witnesses nor will he jump bail.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Peter Brima Gogra granted the accused bail in the sum of NLe30, 000 (Thirty Million Leones) with two sureties in like sum sureties and sureties are to be resident in the western area and sureties to produce valid identity card depicting his or her address in Freetown one surety to be employed as bail is to be approved by the Bench.

The matter was adjourned to 3rd March 2023.