By: Blessing C. Cole
Osman Mansaray, aged 27, made another appearance before Magistrate Sahr Kekura of Pademba Court No.1 in Freetown, facing charges of fraudulent conversion, contrary to Section 20 (I) (IV) (a) of the Larceny Act of 1961.
It is alleged that on April 9, 2024, at West Street in Freetown, Osman Mansaray fraudulently converted to his own use and benefit a certain property entrusted to him by Patricia Morche.
The property in question is identified as one (TVS Star) tricycle with registration number ATK 329, valued at Seventy-Eight thousand Leones.
Upon the reading and explanation of the charge, the accused person pleaded not guilty.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Lahai 3939 led the witness, Patricia Morche, in her testimony. Morche recounted how she enlisted the accused person as a driver for her tricycle, following a recommendation from her mechanic.
She detailed the conditions she set for the accused, including specific timings for collection and parking of the tricycle, as well as the agreed-upon daily earnings.
Morche stated that initially, Mansaray complied with the agreement, providing her with the agreed-upon earnings daily.
However, one day Mansaray failed to appear with the money and the tricycle. Upon inquiry, Mansaray claimed that the tricycle had been stolen while he was at prayer. Morche, distressed as the tricycle was a birthday gift from her son, reported the incident to the police.
Following investigations, Mansaray was arrested and brought before the court.
Magistrate Sahr Kekura denied bail and remanded the accused to the Male Correctional Center. The matter was adjourned to June 10 for further proceedings.
