By Alimatu Kargbo
Thirty-two-year-old Joseph Turay, an unemployed resident of Freetown, has been sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment for phone theft after pleading guilty to a charge of larceny contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916.
Turay appeared before Magistrate John Manso Fornah of Pademba Road Court No. 2, where the charge was read and explained to him. According to the particulars of the offense, on Monday, 27th October 2025, at No. 28 Lucost Street, Kossor Town, Western Area, Turay stole one iPhone 11 Pro Max valued at NLe9,000, an Infinix Android mobile phone, and physical cash amounting to NLe850. The total value of the stolen items was NLe 12,350, property of Ibrahim Conteh.
When the charge was put to him, Turay pleaded guilty.
Prosecutor Sergeant 3379 Ballay T informed the court that the facts were as charged and that Turay had no previous criminal record, noting that he was a first-time offender. The prosecutor tendered both the caution and charge statements of the accused, which were admitted into evidence as part of the court record.
The accused, who a lawyer did not represent, pleaded with the court for leniency.
In delivering judgment, Magistrate Fornah acknowledged that Turay did not waste the court’s time and had shown remorse by pleading for mercy. However, he also noted that the defendant had permanently deprived the complainant of his properties.
The magistrate, therefore, sentenced Turay to 18 months’ imprisonment at the Male Correctional Facility in Freetown. The sentence is to be served in full unless the defendant restores the stolen items to the complainant.
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