Alagie Singhateh, a resident of Bakau, was last Tuesday convicted and sentenced to one year of imprisonment with hard labour by Magistrate Pa Harry Jammeh of the Kanifing Magistrates’ Court.

Alagie Singhateh was arraigned before the courts for stealing two mobile phones, a Nokia and a Samsung, valued at D3,000 plus a radio cassette player from the dwelling house of one Sarjo Sainey, while he was sleeping. The incident happened around 2am, on 20th June, 2007 in Bakau Farokono.

When the charge sheet was read to him, he pleaded guilty and told the court that “it was due to the influence of Satan.”  “I play football and work as a manson work. Please forgive me,” he told the court with tears running down his face.

Despite his plea of mitigation, the presiding Magistrate convicted and sentenced him to one year of imprisonment with hard labour.

“Stealing is becoming rampant in Bakau, and around the Mile 7 area. So there is need to punish you,” said Magistrate Jammeh.

Corporal 870 Touray represented the IGP in the trial.