By Isatou Sarr
The High Court in Banjul has sentenced two men to 10 years’ imprisonment each for armed robbery after finding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Justice Sidi K. Jobarteh convicted Lamin Sandeng, 29, and Ebrima Jallow, 22, who were also sentenced to four years each for conspiracy to commit a felony. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently.
The convicts were charged in connection with an armed robbery that occurred in Serekunda on 30 September 2022.
The prosecution told the court that the two men conspired to rob Ebou Njie of two mobile phones, D5,040 in cash, an identity card and a voter’s card. The robbery was allegedly carried out while the assailants were armed with a knife.
The complainant testified that he was attacked while returning home, saying one assailant grabbed him by the neck while another twisted his arm and took his belongings. He said one of the attackers was armed with a knife.
The court heard that police later arrested the accused during a patrol operation following information received. Investigators recovered one of the stolen phones and a knife allegedly used in the robbery, which were tendered as exhibits.
The prosecution called six witnesses and produced seven exhibits in support of its case.
Both accused denied the charges, claiming they did not know each other and alleging they were beaten by police and forced to sign statements.
However, Justice Jobarteh ruled that the evidence presented linked both men to the offence, noting that their statements during investigation placed them at the scene and were corroborated by recovered exhibits.
The judge held that the circumstances of the attack and disposal of stolen items demonstrated a common plan, establishing the offence of conspiracy.
She further found that the prosecution proved all essential elements of robbery, including the use of violence.
Before sentencing, defence counsel C. Uduma pleaded for leniency, describing the convicts as first-time offenders with dependants. The prosecution confirmed they had no previous criminal record.
Justice Jobarteh said armed robbery remains a serious offence affecting public safety but took into account the convicts’ age and prospects for rehabilitation.
The sentences take effect from 7 October 2022, when the men were first remanded in custody. They have the right to appeal the conviction and sentence.