By Ibrahim Kabba Turay
Justice Adrian Fisher has acquitted and discharged thirty-two inmates in the Prison Court Exercise held at the Kambia Correctional Facility.
Overseeing two hundred and five cases, Justice Fisher addressed the inmates who had been summarily tried and sentenced by the Magistrate’s Court, in accordance with Chapter 17 of the Laws of Sierra Leone, which pertains to the summary review of Magistrate’s court cases.
Initially assigned 197 cases, Justice Fisher’s caseload increased by eight, bringing the total to 205. The offenses reviewed ranged from larceny and unlawful possession of drugs to fraudulent conversion, among others.
Out of the 52 convicts reviewed, Justice Fisher reduced the sentences of nine and upheld the convictions of 12 others. Among the twelve inmates on remand, one was granted bail, two had their bail revoked, two had their bail conditions varied, and six had their bail conditions upheld.
Addressing the acquitted and discharged inmates, Justice Fisher acknowledged that their terms of imprisonment were not proportional to the offenses committed.
He emphasized that this exercise was not only about reducing the number of criminals in society but also about ensuring fair and effective justice delivery, thereby aiding in the decongestion of correctional facilities and reducing government expenditure.
Justice Fisher urged the inmates, especially young people and women, to avoid drug misuse, particularly KUSH, and to strive to be productive members of their communities. He encouraged the released inmates to return to school or engage in profitable activities.
Additionally, fines were imposed in lieu of imprisonment for a few inmates. The exercise was supported by State Counsel P.L. Williams and Defense Counsel I. Samba from the Legal Aid Board.
