By: Dawda M. Jallow
Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on Thursday convicted Emmanuel Morgan, a Sierra Leonean national, of stealing cash belonging to a local businessman.
The case was heard before Principal Magistrate Sallah M’Bai.
Morgan, who appeared without legal representation, pleaded guilty to the charge of stealing, contrary to Section 266 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025.
According to the prosecution, the offence occurred on September 13th, 2025, in Dippa-Kunda, Kanifing Municipality. The victim, Bai Yahya Touray, had given Morgan D7,000 to purchase cigarettes and soft drinks for his business. Instead, Morgan allegedly absconded with the money.
The victim reportedly searched for Morgan but could not locate him. On September 17, a friend informed him that Morgan had been seen at a local garage. Upon confronting Morgan, the accused admitted to using the money for personal expenses rather than buying the items requested. The matter was reported to the police, and Morgan was subsequently interrogated and charged.
During court proceedings, Morgan admitted all facts presented by the prosecution. In a plea for mitigation, he asked for forgiveness, citing that he was a first-time offender and that the act was a mistake.
Sergeant Baldeh, representing the prosecution, requested that Morgan be ordered to pay compensation to the victim under Section 191 of the Criminal Act, a request granted by the court.
In her ruling, Principal Magistrate Sallah M’Bai acknowledged that Morgan was a first-time offender and had admitted guilt, but emphasized that justice must be tempered with the law. The court ordered Morgan to pay a fine of D50,000, with one month imprisonment in default, and to compensate the victim D7,000, with an additional 14 days imprisonment if the payment is not made. The sentences were ordered to run consecutively.