Couple Charged with Grievous Bodily Harm After Neighborhood Dispute

An altercation in a neighborhood escalated into a serious assault, leading to a husband and wife being charged with grievous bodily harm in court. Mabinty Turay, a businesswoman, and her husband, Jonathan John, a technician, appeared before Magistrate Santigie Bangura at Pademba Road Court No. 2. 

They face three charges under Section 47 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861: grievous bodily harm with intent, malicious wounding, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The prosecution asserts that on March 1, 2025, at their residence on Crooked Lane in Freetown's Western Area, the couple deliberately caused grievous bodily harm to their neighbor, Salaymatu Bangura. 

The couple is further accused of maliciously wounding and assaulting Bangura, resulting in actual bodily harm. During the proceedings, Salaymatu Bangura testified that she was disturbed by loud music from the defendants' residence. She claimed that Turay prevented her from leaving her apartment and subsequently assaulted her, causing her to briefly lose consciousness. 

Bangura also testified that Turay bit her and that John repeatedly kicked her. She reported the incident to the Ross Road Police Station, presenting with visible injuries. Medical documentation and photographic evidence were submitted to the court. 

The defendants were granted bail of 100,000 Leones each, with two sureties in the same amount. The sureties are required to be Freetown residents with valid identification and address verification. 

Bail approval is subject to the Deputy Assistant Registrar, and the case has been adjourned to April 3, 2025.