By Hassanatu I. Conteh
Kelfala Sandy, a driver, made his first appearance before Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No.2 in Freetown on a count of motor manslaughter contrary to law.
According to the particulars of offence, on Wednesday 26th June, 2024, at 12:50 hours at the Methodist Girls High School (MGHS) compound at Wilberforce in Freetown, being the driver in control of the Golden Dragon vehicle with registration number SCH Bus 002, Sandy unlawfully killed Elizabeth Mansaray, a pupil of the said school.
When the charge was read and explained out by the court registrar to the accused person, no plea was taken.
Assistant Superintendent of Police Isatu Baba Musa sought for a short adjournment date because her witness was absent in court.
Meanwhile the defence counsel, F. Kortu Esq. applied for bail for and on behalf of the accused person saying that he is a Sierra Leonean, and he is resident within this jurisdiction, and further added that he has reliable sureties who are willing and ready to go stand on his behalf.
He also told the court that the accused is not a flight risk, nor will he jump bail. Lawyer Kortu also assured the court that he will not interfere with prosecution witness or witnesses. The defence counsel concluded his bail application saying that the accused person is the sole bread winner of his family.
He made the application pursuant to Section 79 (2) of the Criminal Procedure Act No.32 of 1965 and the Bail Regulations of 2018.
Magistrate Bangura refused bail and sent the accused to the male correctional facility in Freetown, and the matter was adjourned to 15th July, 2024, for proper hearing.