The State had alleged that both accused and others met in Bo town, planned and attacked a number of shops and residence in Gbangbatoke on the 3rd April instant.
The accused who were armed with Machete, crow bar, cutter and scissors attacked and seriously wounded residents of Gbangbatoke Town and robbed them of valuable items and huge sums of money. One of the accused confessed as to how the attacks were planned and carried out and that he was part of the dreadful armed robbery in Pujehun Town.
State Prosecutor Joseph A.K Sesay argued that the accused agreed to carry out the robbery attacks, which they successfully did and fell out of luck when they were intercepted at Monsenessie Police checkpoint and eventually arrested at Mokanji Town following distressed calls and alarms made to vigilant youth.
The State Prosecutor also argued that residents of Gbangbatoke were able to positively identify one of the robbers who as it turned out was the superior.
Both accused and others having successfully robbed and wounded the victims leaving one of them in a critical condition left onboard an unregistered Motor bike, carrying backpacks full of stolen items. As they were intercepted, they accidentally fell, abandoning the bike and some of the backpacks which were collected and treated as exhibits.
The defense led by M. Bawoh Esq with I. Thorllie Esq and K.S Coomber Esq, all of the Legal Aid Board, contended that the accused were only arrested in Mokanji because they were strangers and since it was dark the victims could not have properly identified their attackers.
The Jury having listened to the witnesses and arguments put forward by J.A.K Sesay and M. Bawoh unanimously returned a GUILTY verdict on all 5 counts against Mohamed Swarray aka Gbassay and on 2 counts of Robbery with Aggravation against James Alfred aka Cow, the latter having already pleaded Guilty to 3 counts of Conspiracy and wounding with intent.
Hon Justice Monfred Momoh Sesay JA accordingly convicted both accused and sentenced them to death by firing squad appointed for that purpose for the offence of Robbery with Aggravation and to 10 years imprisonment for each of the accused for the offence of wounding with intent.
Both Accused can appeal their convictions and sentences within 21 days.
