Manlafi Touray, the proprietor of Timeless Restaurant was on Monday convicted and sentenced at the Bundung Magistrates' Court, presided over by Magistrate Landing M. Sanneh. The accused was convicted of the offence of receiving stolen property.

The facts of the case stated that on 22nd June 2012 at Timeless Restaurant, situated along the Kairaba Avenue, the convict received a stolen vehicle with registration number KM 3940, from one Sainey Badjie, valued at D150, 000, thereby committed an offence. The convict pleaded not guilty.

During the trial, the prosecutor handling the case, Sub-Inspector Gibba called four witnesses while the convict called two witnesses, and was represented by defence counsel Lawyer Mboge. However, the prosecution was able to prove its case beyond all reasonable doubts to secure the conviction of the accused.

In his plea of mitigation, Lawyer Mboge, defence counsel for the convict, begged the court for leniency, saying that the convict had shown maximum respect to the court during the trial and that he is a first time offender. He said the convict is a well-known businessman who employed many Gambians. "The convict is a family man and well respected in the society," the defence counsel stated.

The convict was sentenced to pay a fine of D5, 000, in default to serve one year's imprisonment. He was further ordered to return the vehicle to the complainant.