By: Alimatu Kargbo
Justice Adrian Fisher in Freetown has sentenced Abubakarr Barrie to seven years imprisonment on two counts of fraudulent conversion of property, contrary to Section 20 (1) (iv) (a) of the Larceny Act 1916. The sentences are to run concurrently following his conviction on both counts.
The matter was prosecuted by State Counsel Christopher Cole Esq., while Randy S. Bangura Esq. represented the accused.
Delivering judgment on 27 February 2026, Justice Fisher held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The Court found that the convict fraudulently converted to his own use a Renault truck with registration number AQF 318, valued at Forty-Six Thousand Euros (€46,000), equivalent to Five Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Five Hundred and Thirty-Eight Leones (Le515,538).
The vehicle had been entrusted to him by James Maitland and Ann Marie Sesay for commercial purposes.
The Court further found him guilty on a second count relating to the fraudulent conversion of Four Hundred Thousand Leones (Le400,000), being proceeds generated from the commercial operation of the said truck.
In his ruling, Justice Fisher observed that the offence was not a mere contractual misunderstanding but a clear breach of trust. He noted that the property had been entrusted to the convict for a specific commercial purpose, yet he deliberately converted both the vehicle and its proceeds for his personal benefit.
The judge emphasized that fraudulent conversion strikes at the heart of commercial trust and undermines confidence in business relationships. According to him, where property is entrusted to an individual, the law imposes a duty of honesty and accountability, and any deliberate diversion for personal gain constitutes a serious criminal offence.
Before sentencing, the Court considered the plea in mitigation advanced on behalf of the convict. However, Justice Fisher held that the gravity of the offence, particularly the substantial value of the property involved and the calculated manner in which it was converted, warranted a custodial sentence.
He accordingly sentenced Abubakarr Barrie to seven years imprisonment on Count I and seven years imprisonment on Count II, with the sentences to run concurrently.
The conviction followed a full trial in which State Counsel Christopher Cole Esq. led evidence establishing the elements of fraudulent conversion under the Larceny Act 1916, including entrustment of property, dishonest conversion, and intent to permanently deprive the rightful owners.
