By Isatou Sarr
The Brikama Magistrates’ Court Monday fined Hamadi Bah to pay D15,000.00 after finding him guilty of assault causing actual bodily harm and stealing, while his co-accused, Kaddy Bah, was discharged.
Delivering judgment on Monday, January 5, 2026, Magistrate Kanjura B. Sambou ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt against both accused persons, but exercised leniency in sentencing.
The case, brought by the Inspector General of Police, involved two Gambian nationals Hamadi Bah, a male adult, and Kaddy Bah, a female adult who were charged with two offences.
On the first count, both were charged with assault causing actual bodily harm, contrary to Section 228 of the Criminal Code.
The prosecution alleged that on March 5, 2024, at Lamin Babylon in the West Coast Region, the accused jointly assaulted one Sainey Sallah by beating him on the head, causing him injuries.
On the second count, they were charged with stealing, contrary to Section 252 of the Criminal Code, for allegedly stealing D5,000 in cash belonging to the complainant.
Inspector L. Gomez appeared for the prosecution, while both accused persons were unrepresented by counsel. They pleaded not guilty when the charges were read and explained to them.
The prosecution called five witnesses, including the complainant Sainey Sallah, his daughter Olimatou Sallah, his niece Abdoulie Jobe, a police officer Sarjo Barry, and an eyewitness, Kalilu Sano.
Testifying before the court, Sainey Sallah told the magistrate that he was on his way to CDC when he asked the first accused for directions.
He said that shortly after, he was chased, accused of misconduct, and attacked by a group of people.
According to him, the second accused tied his hands with a rope and took him into a room, while others beat him on the head. He said he was eventually rescued by a bystander and taken to the police before receiving medical treatment.
The other prosecution witnesses corroborated the complainant’s account, while both accused persons gave their own versions of events.
In his ruling, Magistrate Sambou said the court was satisfied that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and accordingly convicted both accused persons.
During mitigation, the accused pleaded for mercy, promising that the incident would not be repeated.
In sentencing, the magistrate fined Hamadi Bah D3,000 for assault and D2,000 for stealing, in default to serve prison terms. He further ordered him to pay D10,000.00 as compensation to the complainant bringing the total financial penalty to D15,000.00.
Meanwhile, Kaddy Bah was discharged based on her age. The bail condition of Hamadi Bah was ordered to continue pending full payment of the fine and compensation.
