The Kombo East District Tribunal, led by Alhagie Basiru Jarju, Chief of Kombo East, on Wednesday convicted and sentenced Momodou Jarju, alias Baringo, Alkalo of Sohm Village, to a fine of D10, 000 in default to serve one year in jail. Momodou Jarju, who is a staff of community development, was also sacked as Alkalo of Sohm by the District Tribunal in addition to his fine. He was found guilty for his involvement in illegal tree cutting to burn charcoal.

During the previous sitting, Samba Touray, first convict, revealed before the tribunal that Alkalo Momodou Jarju had taken D2000 from him, thereby giving him the permission to cut trees and burn them for charcoal. Meantime, the testimony of Ousman Touray, second convict, also revealed that Alkalo Momodou Jarju had taken D800 from him to burn trees for charcoal.

One Mamadou Yassin Jallow also alleged that Momodou Jarju, alias Baringo, Alkalo of Sohm, took D2000 from him. According to Mamadou Yassin Jallow, Alkalo Jarju had found him cut a Mahogany tree when he told him to give him D5000.

He further told the tribunal that he pleaded to Alkalo Jarju for forgiveness, but Alkalo Jarju insisted that he must pay. He further told the tribunal that he then pleaded for the Alkalo to reduce the D5000, and subsequently they agreed on D3800. Mr Jallow asserted that he then gave Alkalo Jarju D2000 at that spot.

He revealed that the third day, Alkalo Jarju came back to him to request for the remaining D1800. However, Mamadou Yassin Jallow, who pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against him, said he told the Alkalo that he did not have any money to give him. Chief Basiru Jarju convicted and sentenced Mamadou Yassin Jallow to a fine of D10, 000 in default to serve one-year jail term.

In his mitigation, Alkalo Jarju pleaded to the tribunal not to impose a custodial sentence on him, sighting that he was a family man with a big responsibility.

In handing down his verdict, Chief Basiru Jarju reminded the people that he would not have mercy to any one who is brought before him on similar act.

He then sentenced Alkalo Momodou Baringo Jarju to a fine of D 10,000, in default to serve a year in jail.