The Criminal Court "C" at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia has granted probation to seven pre-sentencing detainees, and denied two others from the Monrovia Central Prison under the Justice Ministry's probationer services program.

The circuit court released William Toe, Moses Boimah, Bobby Blejay, Saah Tubmbay, David Molubah Rico Lasisi and Joseph Luise, but Mark Taylor and Stephen Toe were denied. The seven inmates released Tuesday were being held for crimes ranging from burglary, theft of property and misapplication of entrusted property, among others.

Justice Ministry's Probationer Service Coordinator Ali Syllah, said the probation service is created to reduce the number of detainees in prison to afford them a second chance in the society. Syllah said a total of 148 persons are on probation around the country, noting that the probation is stipulated for two years.

Speaking of the seven inmates, who have become the latest beneficiaries of the program, Syllah said some of them had been in prison for four to seven months.

Under the probation service, the released pre-sentencing inmates will serve conditions such as performing unpaid community services and attend vocational and technical schools as well as psycho-social education to rehabilitate them in the community.

Criminal Court "C" Judge Peter W. Gbenewleh warned the released detainees that they would be re-arrested if they did not abide by the conditions under which they are to perform their community services. Judge Gbenewleh warned them not to steal or to change their locations while still on probation, as such practices would lead to their arrest.