By Sainabou Sambou
A young man, Salieu Bah, on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to robbery and assault when he appeared before Justice Ebrima Jaiteh at the High Court in Banjul.
Bah faces three charges stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred on 14 April 2025 in Bijilo. He is accused of using force, threats, and violence to steal 14 Brazilian wigs valued at D238,000 (Count 1) and one Apple iPad worth D51,475 (Count 2), both belonging to complainant Sainabou Sarr. In Count 3, he is charged with assaulting Fatou Bintou Colley by repeatedly stamping and kicking her in the stomach as he fled the scene.
State counsel S.L. Jorbateh appeared for the prosecution, while E. Colley represented the accused. Bah denied all charges.
Justice Jaiteh adjourned the matter to 17 December 2025 at 1:30 pm for hearing.
In a separate case:
High Court Upholds D10,000 Fine for Employee Who Stole D50,000
Justice Omar Cham on Tuesday dismissed an appeal by Ebrima Camara, who sought to reduce a D10,000 fine imposed after he admitted stealing D50,000 from his employer.
Camara had pleaded guilty before the lower court and was ordered to pay the fine or serve one year in prison in default, in addition to repaying the stolen D50,000 with another one-year imprisonment in default.
Prosecuting counsel M.D. Mballow opposed any further leniency, arguing that the original sentence was already merciful and fully compliant with the law. Justice Cham agreed, ruling that the appeal lacked merit and that courts should not interfere with lawful, proportionate sentences.
The dismissal reinforces judicial reluctance to disturb penalties deemed fair by lower courts. Camara must now comply with the original order.
