By: Dawda Jallow
A Kanifing Magistrates’ Court has convicted and sentenced a man, Abdou Salam, to one year imprisonment with hard labour for theft of electrical cables valued at D110,500.
The sentence was handed down on Tuesday by Magistrate Awa Manneh after the accused pleaded guilty to the charge.
According to the prosecution, led by Corporal Adama Badjie, the incident occurred on 17 March 2026 at Pipeline in the Kanifing Municipality, where the complainant, Sega Faye, reported the loss of electrical cables.
The court heard that the accused allegedly climbed a fence, cut a rope securing a door, and entered the premises before removing the cables, which he placed in an empty rice bag.
A security guard on duty reportedly discovered the act and raised an alarm. In the ensuing struggle, the accused allegedly pushed the guard, causing him to fall. He also sustained an injury to his lips during the confrontation.
Prosecutors further told the court that a police officer attached to the American Embassy, PC Bojang 10269, assisted in apprehending the suspect, who was later taken to Kairaba Police Station, where he gave a cautionary statement.
When the charge was read and explained, Abdou Salam admitted to the offence and pleaded for leniency, describing the act as a mistake. He also confirmed the prosecution’s narration of the facts.
However, the prosecution informed the court that the convict was a repeat offender with prior convictions.
In her ruling, Magistrate Manneh said the court had considered the seriousness of the offence and the accused’s criminal record, noting the need for a deterrent sentence to protect property and uphold public order.
She consequently sentenced Abdou Salam to one year imprisonment with hard labour.