By: Isatou Sarr
Brusubi Magistrates’ Court has convicted five young men for engaging in reckless car drifting that disrupted traffic and caused damage to several vehicles in Jabang, West Coast Region.
The incident, which occurred during a large convoy, drew public outrage after videos circulated showing chaotic scenes, with drifting vehicles endangering lives and property.
Delivering her ruling on Wednesday, 20th August 2025, Magistrate I. Jallow acknowledged the defence counsel’s argument that the offenders are in their twenties and first-time offenders. However, she emphasized that age does not excuse irresponsibility.
“In all cases of this nature, the courts examine the actions of the convicts, the circumstances of the case, and the facts presented. Actions come with responsibilities, and the convicts are adults, fully capable of making decisions for which they must be held accountable,” Magistrate Jallow stated.
She noted that despite the absence of fatalities, the potential danger posed by such conduct warranted a firm legal response to deter future offenders.
Breaking down her sentence to the convicts, Momodou Martin Sanyang (on count 1), fine: D25,000, and also sentenced to 3 years’ imprisonment with hard labour. Serigne Mass Gaye, on count 2, fine D1,000 plus 3 months’ imprisonment with hard labour, on count 3 he was also fine D25,000 with 3 years imprisonment with hard labour. Muhammed Bah, on count 4 fined D20,000 in default to serve 2 years imprisonment with hard labour, while on count 5 fined D25,000 with 3 years imprisonment with hard labour. Ismaila Faal, on count 6 fined D25,000 with 3 years imprisonment and hard labour, while on count 7 fined D20,000 and in default to serve 2 years imprisonment with hard labour. And, also Samba Ceesay, on count 8, he was fined D25,000 and as well sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with hard labour.
The court took into account the defendants’ guilty pleas and their status as first-time offenders. Nevertheless, Magistrate Jallow stressed that the convictions send a clear message that reckless driving and public endangerment will not be tolerated.
