Sierra Leone News: Three Accused Complain of being Starved while in Police Cell

By Alimatu Jalloh

Three accused persons including a 48-year-old man have on Tuesday September 25, 2019, complained of being starved while in custody at the Central Police Division..

The three accused persons Chernor Bailor Barrie, Albert Kenneh and Sheka Dumbuya were arraigned before Magistrate Hannah Bonnie of court №1, on three counts of depositing garbage in an unauthorized place contrary to regulations (3) of the Freetown City Council Prohibited Use of Public Places Bye-Laws 2010.

After the charges were put to the accused persons who were not represented by a solicitor, Magistrate Bonnie noticed that the accused persons were weak because could not even respond to the charges.

Magistrate Hannah Bonnie then question the accused persons what was wrong with them. One of accused persons told the court that they were hungry, as they were incarcerated in police cell for four days without food.

Magistrate Hannah Bonnie in her wisdom stood down the matter, and told the accused persons to make sure they have food before she proceeds with the matter.

According to the particulars of the offence, the accused on Friday September 20, 2019, being along Regent Road via Ebenezer Church in Freetown, were caught depositing garbage in an unauthorized place at Ebenezer Church perimeter fence.

The matter was later re-mentioned and the charges of prohibited use of public place were put to them and they pleaded guilty.

Before they were sentenced, Magistrate Bonnie cautioned them on the effect of garbage disposal at the wrong places.

The accused persons were sentenced to 30 days in prison or pay a fine of Le500, 000 for each count. The second and the third accused pleaded with the Magistrate that they cannot afford that sum considering that a make a living through garbage collection.

Despite their plea, they were all ordered to pay the said sum or be imprisoned for a month.