By Musa Paul Feika
On 4th March, 2021, Lawyer Ibrahim Sorie Yellan Kamara, who is defending the accused, has pleaded with Magistrate Wilbri Hamida Moira John, who presides over at the Ross Road Magistrate Court No.1, for a two weeks adjournment, using the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), in the ongoing assault matter involving Ramatu Wurie Kamara.
While he was making the application, he told the bench that he had known the complainant, Isatu Mansaray, over a very long time. As a result, he did not want to defend the accused against her. But rather he asked for an alternative dispute resolution.
Mr. Kamara intimated the court that he had communicated same with his learned associating counsel, Madieu Sesay.
In reply, Lawyer Sesay said he was not adverse to the defence`s application. But he asked the bench to admonish both parties to maintain the peace.
Magistrate John granted the defence`s application and cautioned both parties to keep the peace. She told the parties that she was adjourning the matter for alternative dispute resolution and therefore they should keep the peace.
The accused is before the court on one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, which is contrary to Section 47 of the Offences against the Persons Act of 1861.
The police charge sheet adduces that Ramatu Wurie Kamara, 18th January, 2021, at Poyo Bar, Calaba Town, in Freetown, assaulted Madam Isatu Mansaray in a manner thereby causing her grievous bodily harm.
The matter will come up again on the 22nd March, 2021.