By Musa Paul Feika
Christopher Jones has made his first appearance before Magistrate Alhaji Suliaman Koroma at the Ross Road Magistrate Court No.1 for allegedly committing larceny of a dwelling house, contrary to section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1816.
Police prosecution witness, Ibrahim C. Sankoh, who also doubles as one of the dwellers of the house in his testimony, told the court that he recognized the accused and could also recall 21st October 2019 when he discovered that thieves including the accused entered into the compound and carted away several properties including one old drum containing spare parts of his father’s vehicle, one palm oil gallon, a bag of charcoal, four starters, one carburetor, one vehicle jack and other valuable items worth millions of Leones.
The witness furthered that he later alerted his father, Chief Pa Alimamay Sankoh, about the said incident and his father advised that he makes an official report to the Grafton Police Station.
He added that together with a team of police officers they visited the scene of crime at Grafton and conducted a search warrant at the premises.
The aftermath was that some stolen properties were discovered at the residence of the accused.
The witness further disclosed to the court that the accused made a confessional statement to them about the discovery and identified an individual who, he said, had sold the properties to him.
The witness added that he made a statement to the Police regarding the matter.
The accused was before the court on one count charge of larceny of a dwelling house, contrary to section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The court details sated that Christopher Jones on 21st October 2019 at Grafton New Camp, did steal certain valuable properties worth millions of Leones belonging to Chief Pa Alimamy Sankoh.
Defense Counsel S.Y. Kamara made an application for and on behalf his client, citing section 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act No. 32 of 1965.
Police Prosecutor, ASP O.M Bangura, objected to bail on the grounds that the accused has been on the run and if again granted bail, it would be an uphill task on the side of the prosecution to get him to appear before the court whenever he is needed.
However, bail was granted to the accused to the tune of twenty million Leones with two sureties in like sum and that bail must be approved by the Acting Master and Registrar.
The matter was adjourned to 13th December, 2019.