By Alimatu Jalloh
Hawa Mansaray yesterday appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Ross Road Court No.1 for allegedly biting her neighbour’s finger thereby causing her grievous bodily harm.
The accused was arrested on May 6, 2023, by Police Constable (PC) Kargbo K.M.
The accused is arraigned on a count of causing grievous bodily harm contrary to section 18 of The Offences Act Against the Persons Act, 1861.
It is alleged that the accused, on Tuesday, May 2, 2023 at Peace Market Kissy, in Freetown, assaulted Isatu Sheriff in a manner thereby causing her grievous bodily harm.
Led in evidence, the Prosecution witness (PW)1, Isatu Sheriff said she recognised the accused as her neighbour and recalled that on the day of the incident she was at home eating when a lady called Mahawa, arrived at home and gave her information about the accused.
Madam Sheriff said that upon receipt of the information, she instantly left for the Peace Market at Kissy in Freetown, disclosing that upon her arrival, she saw the accused and her daughter, Fanta Kamara abusing each other.
The witness said that she advised her daughter to leave the scene, noting that upon the advice, the accused made a statement saying she didn’t want Fanta, but her mother.
She said the accused started abusing her and her daughter to such an extent that she pointed her finger on her forehead. The witness said that she felt so bad because she is older than her.
The witness said she cautioned the accused to stop pointing finger on her indicating that she will not take it lightly with her.
Madam Sheriff said upon saying that, the accused rushed on her and started beating her with a stick.
The witness said that she reported the matter to the P.W.D Police Post in Freetown, where she was issued with a police medical request form for treatment at the Connaught Hospital in Freetown.
She said on the same day, the doctor performed an X-ray on her hand, and returned the endorsed medical paper to the said police post.
The endorsed medical paper was produced and tendered to form part of the court’s records.
The lawyer representing the accused, Lawyer Kamara pleaded with the bench to review the bail conditions being granted to the accused, especially the one that demanding NASSIT card and elderly citizen.
Responding, Magistrate Kekura said that he granted simple bail condition to the accused, noting that he will not bend backwards.
The accused is still on bail and the matter was adjourned to Wednesday, May 24, 2023 for further hearing.