Fifty-five-year-old Abubakarr Jalloh has been convicted after pleading guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent to disable his five-year-old grandson, Mustapha Kanu.
During his plea in mitigation, the convict appealed to his daughter and grandson for forgiveness, expressing deep remorse for his actions. He told the court that he sincerely regretted what had happened and would carry that regret for the rest of his life. He also urged the court to temper justice with mercy, maintaining that his actions were not intentional.
In his response, Justice Semion Allieu stated that he had carefully considered the convict’s plea in mitigation. However, the judge emphasized that the court must set a precedent to deter others from engaging in such inhumane conduct.
Consequently, Abubakarr Jalloh was sentenced to seventy-five (75) years imprisonment.
Following the sentencing, State Prosecutor Yusuf Issa Sesay called on the relevant authorities to issue directives ensuring that the child involved in the case would not be neglected after the conclusion of the proceedings.
The prosecutor also commended the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs for their significant roles throughout the process.
