By Jeneba Conteh
In a stunning case that has received widespread attention, 23-year-old Alhaji Sawaneh, a fisherman, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for sexually assaulting a four-year-old child. Justice Alhaji Momoh Jah Stevens issued the ruling during a criminal session at Freetown’s Sexual Offences Court No.7, which is located on Siaka Stevens Street.
Sawaneh was charged with one count of sexual penetration, which is a violation of Section 19 of the Sexual Offences Act of 2012. This act was later repealed and replaced by Section 4(a)(ii) of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act of 2019. The court heard that on July 19, 2023, in Freetown, Sawaneh committed an act of sexual penetration with a minor under the age of 18.
Sawaneh pleaded guilty after hearing the charges, and it is worth noting that he was not represented by an attorney throughout the proceedings. In a plea for leniency, he asked Justice Stevens to balance justice and mercy. However, the judge was deeply disturbed by the nature of the crime, describing it as “wickedness” to violate a child so young. Justice Stevens emphasized that the victim should have been nurtured and protected rather than subjected to such heinous crimes.
In his sentencing, Justice Stevens recognized Sawaneh’s youth and encouraged him to use his time in prison to learn valuable skills. He also stated that after his release, Sawaneh should have no contact with the victim. The judge eventually sentenced him to ten years in a male correctional facility in Freetown, highlighting the gravity of the offense.
