By: Ousman Saidykhan
Principal Magistrate Jabang has handed a six-year jail term with hard labour to one Muhammed Jarju who was convicted of stealing a Techno Caman 17, which is said to be valued at D9, 000 and owned by one Algasim Jallow.
Jabang described the convict as an “indiscipline thief” whose behaviours “need to be curbed.”
“The punishment for the offence of stealing from a person is seven years imprisonment. However, pursuant to section 29(2) of the Criminal Code, the convict is sentenced to serve six years imprisonment with hard labour,” Magistrate Jabang said after listening to the convict’s plea in mitigation, who said, “I have been in Mile II, and I have seen a lot of things there. I will not allow myself to go back there.”
The Magistrate cited that the convict’s demeanour throughout the trial revealed a remorseless attitude over the act.
“He is hardcore from the look of things. He can go to any length to steal. If he had his way, he could have injured, maimed or even killed the victim over his phone. If someone can go to any stage to steal a phone, the law shouldn’t be lazed to accommodate him for any reason,” Principal Magistrate said, citing the case of a young man from the National Audit Office whom he said was killed over a “mere phone” at Palma Rima Junction.
During the trial of the case, it was narrated by the prosecution witnesses that not only had the victim gone through some “push and pull” with the convict even after calling his phone and it rang in the convict’s bag, but he also had his mother insulted by the convict.
“Society needs complete deliverance and sanctuary from the likes of these convicts. Their presence in the society can only cause havoc and terror. I can imagine the trauma the victim must have gone through on the day of the incident. Having to have your mother insulted over your hard-earned property is the height of disrespect any man can show to the other. These are behaviours that need to be curbed.”
The convict was first arraigned before the court on the 20th of October 2022. He pleaded not guilty, giving the prosecution a task to prove its case.
