Senior Magistrate Kayode Olajubutu of the Banjul Magistrates Court, this week convicted and sentenced one Melville Roberts to a one-month imprisonment without the option of a fine for assaulting a policeman in the due execution of his duties.

The offence preferred against Mr Melville is contrary to Section 230 (b) of the Criminal Code Cap 10 Vol 3.

According to the facts, Mr Melvile Roberts, on 23rd May, 2008, at ECOWAS Avenue in Banjul, unlawfully assaulted Inspector Alhagie Gibba by grabbing the front of his shirt while in the due execution of his duties.

Delivering his judgement on the case, Kayode Olajubutu stated that the prosecution had called in 4 witnesses to support their case. On the other hand, the defence also called in witnesses including the accused himself who admitting grabbing the policeman’s shirt.
According to the presiding magistrate, a police officer is a servant of the state, working to maintain order and good governance.  

“When the accused scolded and fought with the police officer, he did not only exhibit grave [disrespect] of order but also assaulted the officer in due execution of his duties.  The accused confessed he got aggressive because of the way the officer scolded him,” he said adding that the accuse should bear in mind the fact that the officer might have done this because of his behaviour.