By Yusufu S. Bangura
Magistrate Santigie Bangura of Pademba Road Court No. 2 has ordered the sureties of former Minister Patricia Laverley to ensure her appearance in court by the next adjourned date or face legal consequences.
The order was given on Wednesday, January 28, 2025, following Laverley’s continued absence from court proceedings.
During the hearing, defense counsel M.S. Koroma informed the court that the accused was still unable to attend due to health reasons. However, he noted that her sureties were present, demonstrating their commitment to the case.
According to the charge sheet Laverley is facing two charges; inflicting grievous bodily harm contrary to Section 20 of the Offense Against the Person Act of 1861 and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
It was alleged that the accused on November 12th 2024, at State House, Freetown, assaulted Nabella Farida Tunis, Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs with intent to inflict serious injury.
State counsel Yusuf Isaac Sesay, in response, argued that the case had been adjourned three weeks earlier, providing ample time for the accused to comply. He emphasized that the court’s orders must be respected, warning that Laverley’s continued absence amounted to contempt of court.
He further stated that the state was ready to proceed with the matter but was being hindered by the accused’s failure to appear. Sesay also pointed out that while the defense had previously sought an extension, they later went to the High Court and disregarded the given orders before returning to the lower court for another extension.
After hearing both sides, Magistrate Bangura ruled that the sureties must produce Laverley in court on the next adjourned date, warning that failure to do so would result in legal action against them.
The case was adjourned to February 5, 2025, for further hearing.
