By Janet A Sesay
James Tommy Mansaray, a clerk of Ngakui and Co. Chambers on Friday 16th July, 2021, made his first appearance before Magistrate Mark Ngegba of Court No.2 on allegation of stealing Le19,525,000 via a Commercial Bank cheque, property of Deborah Tara Walie, while it was in the custody of Jacob Campbell.
The accused was arraigned before the court on a count of Larceny by Servant contrary to section 17(1)(a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The charge sheet stated that the accused, on 24th May, 2021 at Ngakui and Co. Chambers, George Street in Freetown, being a clerk employed by the Chamber stole Le19,525,000 through a Commercial Bank cheque with serial number 03599209, property of Deborah Tara Wallie, while in custody of Jacob Campbell.
Shortly after the matter was mentioned, the accused pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Sergeant 10198 Hannah Newstead sought for a date for which the witness would have been absent in court, adding that she would endeavor to proceed on the next adjourned dates.
Counsel representing the accused, Charlie R. Williams made an application for bail on behalf of the accused positing that he is a Sierra Leonean with reliable sureties to stand on his behalf.
He said that the accused is a solicitor clerk and has been in that position for years now, and that he will not interfere with the witnesses. He made this application pursuant to section 79(3) of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965.
Magistrate Ngegba granted the accused Le50 million bail and two sureties in like sum, including that one of the sureties should be above 40 years, produce valid national identification cards and the bail should be approved by the Deputy Assistant Registrar.
The matter was adjourned to 3rd August, 2021.