By Mohamed J. Kargbo
Augustine Smith appeared before Magistrate Sahr Kekura at Pademba Road Magistrate Court No.1 in Freetown on charges of stealing over twenty thousand new Leones from the account of his former girlfriend, Salamatu Sankoh, by using her ATM card.
Smith was charged with larceny, contrary to Section 2 of the Larceny Act of 1916. According to court documents, on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the United Bank of Africa (UBA) on Rawdon Street, Freetown, the accused used Sankoh’s ATM card to withdraw a total of 28,000 new Leones (Le28.00) from her account without her consent.
After the charge was read and explained, Smith pleaded guilty. He then appealed to Magistrate Kekura for leniency, explaining that he and the complainant have a child together and, at the time, were living together.
When asked what he used the money for, Smith replied that he had invested it in a travel opportunity through Q-Net, which ultimately turned out to be a scam.
Sankoh informed the Magistrate that she and Smith no longer live together, although he still has access to her room where he often stays.
She further stated that the money was saved to provide for their child, as Smith was not contributing to the child’s expenses.
Following that, Magistrate Kekura remanded Smith to the Male Correctional Facility on Pademba Road. The case was adjourned to November 15, 2024, for further recording and sentencing.
