By: Isatou Sarr
The Brikama Magistrates’ Court on Monday 30th March ordered Modou Bah to pay a fine of D5000 and compensation of 10,000 after he was found guilty of stealing a bull.
Magistrate Kanjura B Sambu, in ruling the case ordered Bah to pay the fine or in default he would serve six months in prison. He was also ordered to pay D10,000 in compensation to the complainant, failing which he would serve an additional seven months imprisonment.
Bah was charged with cattle stealing, contrary to Section 255 of the Criminal Code (Cap 10:01, Volume 3, Laws of The Gambia).
According to the particulars of the offence, Bah allegedly stole a white bull valued at D40,000 from Ousman Kujabi on September 24, 2023, at Berending Village in the West Coast Region.
The charge was read to Bah in English and interpreted into Fula, the language he understood. He pleaded not guilty.
During the trial, the prosecution called three witnesses—Ousman Kujabi, Yaya Gibba, and Adama Sanneh—and tendered a photograph of the bull, which was admitted into evidence.
During mitigation, Bah pleaded with the court for mercy.
In its ruling, the court stated that while it had considered the plea in mitigation, it was not impressed with the accused’s conduct throughout the proceedings.
“I heard your plea in mitigation, but your actions are uncalled for. This court is unhappy with the demeanour of the accused from day one,” the judge said. He therefore asked Bah to pay the fine and compensation or face the prison terms.