Court Releases Four Women Convicted and Sentenced for Contempt

FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)

Abubacarr Saidykhan

22 June 2011

Justice Lamin Jobarteh of the Banjul High Court on Monday, 21st of June 2011, ordered the release of the four women who were previously charged and convicted for contempt of court, following the sentencing to the life imprisonment of one Lamin Jah for a rape, robbery, attempted stealing and assault offences.

The four women namely Mammy Faal, Fatou Faal, Awa Jah and Kumba Gisseh, said to be closely related to Lamin Jah, were all convicted for contempt of court by Justice Jobarteh and fined D25. 000 each or in default to serve three years in prison.

Their released came about following a motion filed by Senior Lawyer Pap Cheyasin Secka on the previous judgment against the four women.

In delivering his ruling, the trial judge said a motion was filed by the defence on the 8th of June 2011 for the court to reconsider its position regarding the previous ruling. He said all the four women had further apologized to the court and admitting that their previous action was undone. The trial judge cited several cases in court backing his point as to the reason why he was obliged to punish the four after their unlawful actions. He said he is moved by the submissions made by the learned counsel Pap Cheyasin Secka to reconsider his position. He finally warned the ladies to desist form such acts, adding that the law is no respecter of a person.

Justice Jobarteh concluded: “In the circumstance, therefore, I shall invoke my inherent jurisdiction and order as follows:

1. The previous fine of D25.000 and in default to serve three years in prison is substituted with the term already served by the applicants;

2. That the applicants enter into a bond for the sum of D25.000 each with one Gambian surety in like sum with clearly identified addresses and a valid Gambian Identification or voters registration card, copy of which must be attached to the bonds;

3. The applicant must keep the peace for three years, failing which they will serve the three years sentence.

4. I order that having fulfilled as above, the applicant be released from custody forthwith.”

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