By Esther Wright
Magistrate Sahr Kekura, presiding over Pademba Road Court No.1 in Freetown, has issued a bench warrant for an accused person, Samuel Caulker and his sureties. This decision came after the accused failed to appear in court for a case involving allegedly obtaining money by false pretense.
The charges against Samuel Caulker, including offenses under Section 32(i) of the Larceny Act 1916 and Section 51 of the Malicious Damage Act 1861, stem from incidents dating back to February and December 2023 in Freetown. These allegations involve maliciously damaging property belonging to Charles Abass Bangura and defrauding him of money under false pretenses.
Specifically, Samuel Caulker is accused of damaging a side mirror of a vehicle registered to Charles Abass Bangura and obtaining money from him for purported repairs to two different vehicles, a Toyota 4runner Jeep and a Benz C300.
During Samuel Caulker’s initial court appearance he pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, his absence during subsequent proceedings prompted the prosecutor, Sergeant 9939 Mohamed Lahai, to apply for a bench warrant. Magistrate Kekura granted this application and adjourned the case to May 21, 2024.
The absence of both Samuel Caulker and his sureties underscores the seriousness of the allegations against him and the court’s issuance of a bench warrant reflects the determination to ensure the accused’s presence for further proceedings.
