Email Gambia News to a friend
Print version
Comment on This Gambia News

Gambia: Driver Gets Four-Year Jail Term

Magistrate Buba Jawo of the Kanifing Magistrates' Court, on Tuesday sentenced Modou Jarra to a fine of D25,000 in default to serve four years in jail.

Magistrate Jawo made this verdict after the accused pleaded guilty to charges of careless driving, rush and negligence thereby causing harm to one Saihou Camara. He was also charged with neglecting traffic signboard and unlicence driving contrary to the laws of The Gambia.

The accused who changed his plea following the testimony of the second prosecution witness, admitted that he was guilty of the offences charged against him.

However, in his plea of mitigation, Mr Jarra urged the court to apply mercy on him, adding that he would never repeat such acts.

Magistrate Jawo, in his judgement then sentenced the accused to a fine of D10,000 in default to serve 18 months in jail. He further ordered the accused to pay D15,000 as compensation to the complainant, Saihou Camara, in default to serve one year in jail and the sentences to run consecutively.

According to the particulars of the offence, the accused on the 17th June 2006, at Churhchills Town, around Shell Petrol Sentered a one way traffic with his vehicle, thereby causing injury to the complainant on his right leg.