Driver Docked For Penetration Of Girl

By Musa Paul Feika

Magistrate Abdul Sheriff of Freetown Magistrate Court No.7 has remanded one Ballah Kargbo at the Male Correctional Centre for allegedly penetrating a child below the age of eighteen years at Ogoo Farm in Freetown.

The accused was standing trial before the court on one count charge of penetration of a child, which is contrary to section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act of 2012.

According to charge sheet, Ballah Kargbo, on Saturday 27^th October 2018 at Ogoo Farm, in Freetown, sexually penetrated a child below the age of eighteen years, to wit sixteen years.

The Police witness, Susan M. Moseray, attached at the Family Support Unit in Adonkia, informed the court that she recognized the accused and could recall 5^th November 2018.

According to her, while she was on duty at Adonkia Police Station, a case of sexual penetration was reported to her by the victim’s mother alongside with the said accused for further investigation.

She told the court that she issued a Police medical request form to the victim for examination and treatment.

 The witness continued that, between 5^th and 8^th November 2018, herself and D. Sergeant 17103, Lasayor E.M. obtained a caution statement from the accused witness.

 She said on the 9^th November 2018, herself, D. Sergeant 11460 Conteh J.T., the victim and the Scene of Crime Officer (SOCO) visited the scene of crime and a photograph was taken by the SOCO.

The witness furthered that, on 20^th November 2019, herself and Inspector Saffa J.J. charged the accused with the offence of sexual penetration of a child.

Defense counsel, S.M. Conteh, applied for bail on behalf of his client, noting that the accused is a citizen of this country. He canvassed that the accused has a fixed address and he is not a flight risk, adding that he will not jump bail. He also stated that the accused will comply with the bail conditions if granted bail.  He made his application citing section 79 of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965.

Bail was refused and the accused was remanded in custody, while the matter was adjourned to the 28^th February, 2019.