By Mamajah Jalloh
On Monday, December 9, 2024, the High Court granted former Deputy Finance Minister II, Dr. Patricia Laverley, permission to travel to Ghana for medical treatment, resulting in the adjournment of her ongoing assault case to January 8, 2025.
The case involves allegations of assault against the Minister of Tourism, Nabella Farida Tunis. Dr. Laverley faces two charges: inflicting grievous bodily harm contrary to Section 20 of the Offenses Against the Person Act of 1861, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
According to the indictment, Dr. Laverley allegedly assaulted Minister Tunis on November 12, 2024, at State House in Freetown, with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.
During the court session, lead defense counsel Jenkins Johnson informed Magistrate Santigie Bangura that Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Steven of the High Court had issued an order allowing Dr. Laverley to travel to Ghana for urgent medical care. Defense counsel requested a four-week adjournment to align with the High Court’s order.
Counsel Johnson apologized for Dr. Laverley’s absence from the proceedings, explaining that her medical condition required immediate attention. He expressed hope that she would be fit to stand trial upon her return.
Additionally, the defense applied for the temporary exchange of one of the sureties, Kadie Jonjon, who had requested permission to travel. Johnson assured the court that the exchange would not affect the proceedings.
State counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay acknowledged the High Court’s order, noting that its authority supersedes that of the Magistrate’s Court. However, he raised concerns that the prosecution had received a copy of the order but that the Magistrate’s Court had not yet been formally served with the perfected order.
In response, defense counsel clarified that a state counsel was present when the High Court’s order was issued, ensuring transparency in the process.
After considering submissions from both sides, Magistrate Bangura upheld the High Court’s directive, granting permission for Dr. Laverley to travel for medical treatment. He also approved the application for the exchange of sureties, stipulating that upon the return of the original surety, their role should be reinstated.
The matter was adjourned to January 8, 2025, for further proceedings.
