Senior Magistrate Sainabou Wadda-Ceesay of the Kanifing Magistrates Court on Wednesday convicted one Alhagie Darboe, an “apprentice”, and sentenced him to 6 months imprisonment without any option of a fine.

Alhagie Darboe had pleaded guilty to two counts of stealing and office breaking. According to the facts, in the month of August 2008, Alhagie Darboe broke into the office of the National Nutrition Agency with the intent to commit felony.

Count Two states that Alhagie Darboe on the same day, place and time stole office equipment such as a laptop, Jamano phone, digital camera and other items valued at D89,050.

Alhagie Darboe, in his mitigation plea, revealed that he has never stolen in his life. He added that he did not know what led him to commit the act as he has served the agency for one year as an apprentice.  He begged the court to temper justice with mercy as he is a first time offender.

Magistrate Sainabou Wadda-Ceesay in her judgement described the action as deplorable. According to her, Alhagie Darboe did not only steal but also breached the trust bestowed on him by his colleague.  

She added that the court will never entertain such actions and would therefore set an example in order to sent a clear message to the public at large that such actions will not be condoned.  

She noted that the convict had not wasted the court’s time by admitting his guilt. She then sentenced him accordingly.