By: Isatou Sarr
Brikama Magistrates’ Court on Monday convicted a man for assaulting his former girlfriend in an attack that resulted in the uprooting of her front tooth.
Modou Corea appeared before Magistrate Kanjura B. Sambou on 22 December 2025, where he was charged with a single count of assault causing actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 196 of the Criminal Offences Act, 2025.
The prosecution was led by SGT 4812 J. Preirra, who announced his appearance on behalf of the Inspector General of Police. The accused was not represented by counsel.
According to the charge sheet, the offence occurred on 5 December 2025 at Brikama in Kombo Central District, West Coast Region, where Corea struck Rohey Marena on the mouth, causing injury.
The charge was read to the accused in English and interpreted into Mandinka. After confirming that he understood the charge, Corea pleaded guilty.
In presenting the facts, the prosecution told the court that the assault led to the removal of the complainant’s front tooth.
The damaged tooth was tendered in court as an exhibit without objection from the accused and was admitted into evidence.
A medical certificate confirming the injury was also tendered and admitted by the court.
The prosecution informed the court that the victim had a visible gap in her mouth as a result of the assault.
When asked by the magistrate to confirm the facts, Corea admitted that they were correct.
In mitigation, the convict expressed remorse and pleaded for leniency. He told the court that he regretted his actions and had been seeking forgiveness from the victim since the incident. He added that he previously had a relationship with the complainant.
In delivering judgment, Magistrate Sambou described the offence as serious, noting that the victim was vulnerable and could have sustained more severe injuries or even lost her life.
Taking into account that Corea is a first-time offender, the court exercised leniency but imposed a fine. The court also ordered the convict to compensate the complainant within a specified period or face imprisonment in default. He was granted bail pending the payment of the compensation.
