Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court, yesterday convicted and sentenced one Mamadi Taal, a security guard at the Sankung Sillah and Sons Company, to three months mandatory jail term with hard labour after pleading guilty of stealing which is contrary to section 252, laws of The Gambia.

According to the facts, the accused on March 5, 2007 at the company, stole a lap top valued at 1,200 Euros, said to be the property of Muhammed Sillah.

When the fact sheet was read to him in court in the language he understood, the accused person pleaded guilty to the said offense.

In his plea, Mamadi Taal, told the court that he is a first offender and therefore seek the indulgence of the court for mercy. He said he did not do it deliberately and it would never happen again.

In handing down his sentence, the presiding Magistrate told the accused that he has breach the trust bestowed on him to protect the properties of the company. “Stealing is becoming rampant and it is a cause for concern,” he said. He therefore convicted and sentenced the accused to three months mandatory jail term with hard labour. He also ordered for the return of the said lap top to Muhammed Sillah. The Police prosecutor 870 Touray, represented the IGP.