By: Dawda M. Jallow
A man who admitted damaging the ceiling of a bar in Dippakunda while under the influence of alcohol has been fined D10,000 by the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, with one-year prison term in default of payment.
Demba Secka was on Friday convicted and sentenced by Magistrate Binta Sowe after pleading guilty to a charge of malicious injury to property, contrary to Section 290 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
The court heard that the incident occurred in the early hours of 22 March 2026 at Class 1 Bar and Restaurant in the Kanifing Municipality.
Prosecutor Cadet M. Jaye told the court that the accused, who had been barred from entering the premises, climbed onto the bar’s ceiling, knowing it was not designed for that purpose, and caused damage estimated at D3,500.
According to the prosecution, Secka fled the scene after the incident but later returned to the same premises, where he was found behaving disorderly.
He was subsequently arrested and taken to the Serekunda Police Station, where he was cautioned and charged.
When the charge was read and explained to him in a language he understood, the accused admitted the offence and told the court that he had consumed alcohol and caused the damage. He added that he had attempted to offer compensation, but this was rejected.
Magistrate Sowe entered a plea of guilty after satisfying herself that the accused understood the charge and admitted the facts.
In mitigation, Secka pleaded for leniency, stating that he had known the owner of the establishment for some time and had not previously misbehaved there. He also told the court that he supports his mother and siblings.
Delivering judgment, the magistrate said the court found the accused guilty on his own plea and noted that the offence carried a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment.
She states that intoxication is not a defence to criminal conduct involving basic intent and emphasised the need for personal responsibility.
Secka was accordingly sentenced to pay a fine of D10,000, in default of which he would serve one year imprisonment.
He was also ordered to pay compensation of D3,500 for the damage, in default of which he would serve four months imprisonment. The court ordered that the sentences run consecutively.
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