By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone — Former Minister of Tourism, Patricia Laverley, is at the center of legal proceedings after being charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm and assault occasioning actual bodily harm on Nabella Farida Tunis at State House on November 12, 2024. The charges stem from an alleged altercation, with accusations that Laverley intended to cause harm.
Court Proceedings: Health Status Under Scrutiny
During a session at Pademba Road Court No. 2 on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, defense counsel Ibrahim Yillah presented a medical report from Choitram Hospital, claiming that Laverley was under intensive care and on oxygen support. However, State counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay cast doubt on the authenticity of the report, arguing that it was a last-minute attempt to avoid court proceedings.
Magistrate Santigie Bangura expressed skepticism, noting irregularities in the document, including a stamp placed on a photocopied medical report. He stated that such actions suggested an attempt to deceive the court.
State’s Position and Defense Response
State counsel Sesay requested the rescission of Laverley’s bail and the detention of her sureties, accusing the defense of dishonesty. He argued that the sureties had failed to ensure Laverley’s presence in court.
Defense counsel Yillah countered that the medical report was legitimate, emphasizing that the former minister was seriously ill and hospitalized. He submitted that photographic and video evidence of her condition could be provided and assured the court of the defense’s seriousness regarding the matter.
Magistrate’s Orders
Magistrate Bangura directed senior police officers to visit Choitram Hospital to verify Laverley’s hospitalization. If the claims were found to be untrue, he instructed that the former minister be immediately arrested and brought to court. The officers were ordered to report their findings by the next court session.
The case was adjourned to November 27, 2024, for continuation.
Background on the Case
The charges against Patricia Laverley include:
- Inflicting Grievous Bodily Harm under Section 20 of the Offenses Against the Person Act of 1861.
- Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm.
The prosecution alleges that Laverley assaulted Nabella Farida Tunis on November 12, 2024, at State House in Freetown, with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
This high-profile case has drawn significant public attention, with questions arising over the legal and ethical responsibilities of public officials and the implications of their actions. The court’s decision on Laverley’s health claims will play a pivotal role in the proceedings.