By Mamajah Jalloh
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Augustine Dassama, a 25-year-old mason, was sentenced to 36 months in prison on Tuesday, 19th November, 2024, by Magistrate Mamakoh Saio Kallon of Pademba Road Court No. 5 in Freetown. Dassama was convicted on a count of Fraudulent Conversion, contrary to Section 20 (1) (iv) (a) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
The particulars of the offence state that on 9th November 2024, in Leicester, Mountain Rural District, in the Western Area of Freetown, Dassama fraudulently converted to his own use various items entrusted to him for safekeeping by Jane Bewoh. The items included two full sets of L.G air conditioners, one indoor air conditioner, a 10,000-watt stabilizer, one money counting machine, and other assorted goods, with a total value of 65,325 Leones.
Upon the reading and explanation of the charges, Dassama pleaded guilty. Prosecutor Sergeant Santigie Koroma confirmed that there were no previous criminal records against the accused.
Although unrepresented by legal counsel, Dassama pleaded for mercy, asking the court to consider his circumstances. Magistrate Kallon, taking into account the guilty plea and the lack of wasted court time, sentenced him to three years in prison at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown.
