Magistrate Landing M. Sanneh of the Bundung Magistrates' Court, on Monday convicted and sentenced one Ismaila Mballow, a resident of Wellingara. The convict was charged with three counts of the criminal offences: obtaining money by false pretence, forgery and uttering false document, all contrary to the Laws of The Gambia.

The particulars of the offence on count one stated that in the month of June 2012 at Wellingara, the convict obtained the sum of D65, 000 from one Gibril Hydara, with the pretext of giving him a plot of land, knowing such representation was false and untrue, thereby committed an offence.

On count two, the particulars stated that at the same place and date, the convict unlawfully forged a receipt bearing the name of the Kunkujang Alkalo.

On count three, the particulars stated that on the same date and place the convict uttered a false document which contained the name and signature of the Kunkujang Alkalo.

The convict however pleaded not guilty on all counts and the prosecution led by I.O Ndow called seven witnesses. The convict on the other hand defended himself without calling any witness. The prosecution was however able to prove its case beyond all reasonable doubt against the convict. In his plea of mitigation, the convict begged the court to temper justice with mercy, saying that he is the breadwinner of his family.

On count one, the convict was sentenced for a-two-year jail term with hard labour, on count two, he was sentenced to serve one year imprisonment term with hard labour, and on count three, he was sentenced to serve another one year imprisonment term with hard labour. Furthermore, the convict was also ordered to compensate the complainant, Gibril Hydara the sum of D45, 000, in default to serve one year imprisonment term.

All sentences according to the presiding magistrate are to run concurrently.