By Cecilia E. L. Mendy
The High Court on Monday adjourned proceedings in an ongoing case after the prosecution sought to properly tender an autopsy report into evidence relating to the death of the late Cherno Jallow.
Chief Medical Director of the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), Dr. Mustapha Bittaye, appeared before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh to produce a copy of the postmortem report.
Dr. Bittaye informed the court that he had a copy of the document, explaining that while original records are usually kept at the hospital, one copy had already been forwarded to the police.
Justice Jaiteh questioned why obtaining the report had been difficult. In response, Dr. Bittaye said the head of department responsible for the document was away attending court proceedings in Brikama in connection with another matter at the time the request was made.
The prosecution further informed the court that it had also received the original autopsy report from the police.
After his testimony, Dr. Bittaye was discharged by the court.
The prosecution then applied under Section 221 of the Evidence Act to tender the autopsy report into evidence. However, Justice Jaiteh noted that the medical officer who conducted the postmortem examination must personally testify and formally tender the document before the court.
The prosecution acknowledged that the autopsy report had not been included in its original list of evidence and indicated that it would file additional documents to regularise the process.
The State subsequently applied for an adjournment to comply with the required legal procedures. With no objection from the defence, the court granted the request.
The matter was adjourned to 8 June 2026 for the hearing of PW6’s evidence-in-chief.