By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown – George Browne, one of the prisoners who escaped during the failed coup on November 26, 2023, has found himself back in court. This time, he faces allegations of stabbing Mohamed Alie Bah in the lower left eye with a knife.
Browne, who was previously serving a sentence at Pademba Road Prison for wounding his uncle in a similar knife attack, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2. He is charged with two counts: wounding and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, both contrary to the laws of Sierra Leone.
Details of the Incident
According to the charge sheet, the alleged incident occurred on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Kroo Town Road in Freetown. Police claim that Browne maliciously wounded and assaulted Mohamed Alie Bah, causing him actual bodily harm.
In his testimony, the complainant, Mohamed Alie Bah, a businessman, stated that he knew the accused through his brother, Ibrahim Bah. He recalled that on March 14, 2025, his brother informed him that he had given Browne 7,000 New Leones to deliver to someone, but the money had not been handed over.
Bah and his brother decided to search for Browne and eventually found him on Adelaide Street, surrounded by people. Bah said he apprehended Browne and discovered new mobile phones, a watch, clothes, and the missing money in Browne’s possession. The items were handed over to the Adelaide Street Police Station as evidence of the converted funds.
The Alleged Assault
The following day, Browne reportedly visited Bah’s house to demand the return of his property. Bah directed him to the police station. According to Bah, Browne then threatened to kill him. Later, while Bah was speaking with a man named Abdulai at a container, Browne allegedly stabbed him in the lower left eye with a knife. Bah stated that blood began oozing from the wound, and Browne fled the scene. He was later arrested and taken to the Central Police Station.
Bah received medical treatment at Connaught Hospital and returned with an endorsed medical report, which he submitted to the police along with his statement.
Court Proceedings
Browne, who is unrepresented in court, cross-examined the complainant himself. Magistrate Santigie Bangura remanded Browne in custody, and the case was adjourned to April 15, 2025, for further proceedings.