By Dawda M Jallow
A Kanifing Magistrates’ Court has convicted and fined a fisherman who broke into a residence in Bakau and stole mobile phones and other items while the occupants were asleep.
Bubacarr Camara appeared before Magistrate Awa Manneh on charges of burglary and theft. The case was prosecuted by Cadet M. Colley and Inspector C. B. Jallow on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.
The prosecution told the court that the offence was committed on January 7, 2026, between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. in Bakau, within the Kanifing Municipality.
According to the charge sheet, Camara unlawfully broke into the home of Kombeh Porter and Jarrai Daffeh with the intention of committing theft. He was accused of stealing an iPhone 16 Pro Max valued at D120,000, an iPhone XR valued at D16,000, and a router valued at D5,000, bringing the total value of the stolen items to D141,000.
When the charges were read, Camara pleaded guilty, telling the court that it was his first offence and that he regretted his actions. He made this plea on Thursday when he appeared before the court.
Cadet Colley narrated that Camara entered the house while the victims were asleep, but was apprehended by one of the complainants while attempting to flee with the stolen items. He was subsequently taken to Bakau Police Station.
At the police station, Camara was cautioned and charged, and he admitted to committing the offence. The prosecution confirmed that both cautionary and voluntary statements were obtained. The recovered items were tendered and admitted into evidence, with the iPhone 16 Pro Max marked as Exhibit PE1, the iPhone XR as Exhibit PE2, and the router as Exhibit PE3.
In mitigation, Camara pleaded for leniency, stating, “I beg the court for forgiveness. It was a mistake. Both of my parents are in Basse, and I am a fisherman by profession.”
In delivering her judgment, Magistrate Manneh noted that Camara was a first-time offender, pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, and demonstrated remorse. However, she stressed that punishment was necessary, emphasizing that no one is above the law.
Camara was fined D5,000 for the burglary charge or, in default, to serve two years’ imprisonment. On the theft charge, he was fined D3,000 or, in default, one year imprisonment. The court ordered that both sentences run consecutively.