Pa Chaw, who was a prisoner and pardoned by the President of the Republic of The Gambia in observance of the Koriteh feast, was on the 18thNovember, 2008, brought before Senior Magistrate Abdoulie Mbackeh of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court and charged with behaving idly and disorderly. He pleaded guilty to the charge.

According to the particulars of the offence, the accused, Pa Chaw, on the 7thNovember 2008 at Old Jeshwang conducted himself in a manner likely to cause disorder.

Prosecutor Corporal 358 Sarr told the court, as he was narrating the facts, that when the accused, who was granted amnesty by the president of The Republic some time ago, was seen loitering along the corner of the prison camp at Old Jeshwang, trying to call an inmate by the name of Modou Lamin Nyassi, who is currently serving his prison term. He stated that when the prisoners heard him they informed one of the prison officers who ordered his men to go round the fence to find out who the person was and that they found the accused standing on the fence. He finally indicated that the accused was caught by prison officers and later handed over to Kanifing Police Station where he was cautioned and charged.

Magistrate Mbackeh in his judgement warned the accused to desist from such practices. He stated that the President of The Republic pardoned the accused because the prison officers must have recommended him to President.

He finally sentenced the accused to keep the peace for a period of six months and that if he commits another offence, he would be sent to prison for three months.