By: Isatou Sarr
The Bundung Magistrates’ Court Tuesday sentenced Malick Badjie to serve three years in prison with hard labour after finding him guilty of reckless and negligent acts.
The court said such acts left a 13-year-old schoolboy gravely injured during a car drifting incident in Abuko.
Magistrate I. Dibba delivered the judgment, convicting Badjie under Section 190 of the Criminal Offences Act 2025.
The incident occurred on 18th July 2025 when the convict, driving a Mercedes Benz (BJL 7450 Y), recklessly drifted into the grounds of a school and struck pupil Abdourahman Bah, causing severe injuries that have left the teenager incapacitated.
The court heard that the boy’s leg was crushed against a wall, leaving him unable to stand or walk unaided. Magistrate Dibba described the offence as a “grave breach of responsibility,” stressing that drivers must exercise caution and respect for life, particularly in areas where children should feel safe.
“The conduct of the convict has inflicted enduring pain on the victim, his family, and classmates. Dangerous driving that results in such injuries is intolerable and demands a stern response,” the magistrate said. He added that the country is witnessing “an unacceptable rise in dangerous driving practices,” warning that courts will not be lenient with such offenders.
The magistrate further described Badjie as “carefree and indisciplined” noting that if the victim had not survived, the offence could have amounted to manslaughter. He said the judgment should serve as a deterrent to “drifters and outlaws” who disregard public safety.
In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Badjie to pay D1 million compensation to the victim for his pain, on-going medical needs, and emotional trauma. In default of payment, he will serve a further two years’ imprisonment. The sentences are to run consecutively from the date of his remand.
Magistrate Dibba concluded that the ruling reaffirms the judiciary’s commitment to protecting vulnerable citizens and upholding road safety. “The Gambia is a country governed by laws, and those laws must be respected at all times. Reckless driving endangers lives and undermines public order,” he declared.
