A building contractor John R. Taylor was on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 granted bail in the sum of Le250 million by Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba road court No.1. The accused was arraigned on allegation of 30 thousand Pounds fraud.
Taylor is before the court on one count charge of fraudulent conversion contrary to section 20 (1) of the Larceny Act of 1916.
According to the charge sheet, it was alleged that the accused on diverse date between July 29 to September 16, 2021 in Freetown, being entrusted with 30,000 pounds (le133,597,900.00) for him to renovate a building at 50 Pratt Street, New England Ville in Freetown, fraudulently converted the said amount to his own use and benefit.
When the charge was read to the accused no plea was taken.
Prosecution witness number one, Josephine Beckley Barnette led in examination in chief by lawyer Achatoh, said she is a pensioners and that she know the defendant in the matter through one Hawa Kanu.
She said the property at No 50 Pratt Street belongs to her.
The witness said that the defendant was introduced to her by one Hawa as a contractor, and upon that introduction, she gave the defendant a contract to renovate her house.
At this juncture the prosecutor requested an adjournment to have further conference with her.
Lawyer T Beah applied for bail on behalf of the defendant on the grounds that the accused is a Sierra Leonean and has responsible sureties who are ready to enter recognisance on his behalf if granted bail. He said he was not served with affidavit by the prosecutor opposing to bail. His application was made pursuant to section 79(2) of the Criminal Procedure Act 1965.
Lawyer Achatoh vehemently opposed to bail, noting that he has served the court with an affidavit in opposition to bail dated May 24, 2022, adding that the defense counsel refused to accept the affidavit in opposition to bail on the grounds that the file is not before him.
Magistrate Kekura having listened to both sides, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of Le250 million and one surety in like sum. The surety should be a responsible citizen resident in Freetown and should produce valid identity card. The bail should be approved by deputy acting Registrar. The comes up again on May 26, 2022.
By Fatima Kpaka