By: Dawda M. Jallow
The Kanifing Magistrates’ Court on Friday convicted and sentenced one Ousman Sowe for stealing from a person, following his own plea of guilty.
The case was presided over by Magistrate Binta Sowe, with Cadet Inspector F. Bah appearing on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP). The accused person was not represented by a lawyer.
Sowe was charged under Section 226 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025 for theft from a person.
According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred on 17 March 2026 in Serrekunda, within the Kanifing Municipality, where he stole an iPhone 16 Pro Max valued at D6,000 and cash amounting to D4,700 from one Wurry Kandeh.
When the charge was read and explained to him in a language he understood, the accused admitted the offence, telling the court he would not waste its time and was ready to face the law.
In mitigation, Sowe pleaded for leniency, describing himself as a first-time offender and expressing remorse for his actions. He told the court that he supports his family, adding that his father is no longer working.
Delivering judgment, Magistrate Binta Sowe noted the accused’s remorseful conduct in court, including his emotional state, and considered this alongside the fact that he pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity, which attracted a reduction in sentence.
The court, however, also highlighted aggravating factors, including the prevalence of theft-related offences and the seriousness attached to such crimes under the law.
In applying the sentencing guidelines, the court classified the offence under Category 2 and imposed a fine of D6,000, in default of which the convict would serve two months’ imprisonment.
Additionally, the court ordered the convict to pay D11,000 in compensation to the complainant, or in default serve a further three months’ imprisonment. The sentences are to run consecutively.
The magistrate said the court was satisfied that, given his age and remorse, the convict should be given a second chance to reintegrate into society.
