Magistrate Sanaibou Wadda-Ceesay of the Kanifing Magistrate court, yesterday convicted and sentenced Kajally Mass, Alieu Demba, Sulayman Sowe, and Lamin Bojang, all employees of the Observer Company, to two months imprisonment, after pleading to the charge of stealing contrary to Section 252 of the Criminal Procedure Code Cap 10 Volume III, laws of The Gambia.

Meanwhile, Destiny Omos, the fifth accused who was a vendor, pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted a court bail in the sum D10, 000. The four Observer staff and a vendor were standing theft charges. According to the facts before the court, the five men on the 23rd February, 2009, at the Observer Company (Gambia)Ltd, stole 200 complete copies and 25 incomplete copies, valued at D2250 being the property of the Observer Company.

The prosecution told the court that the four men on that night, having printed copies for the Daily Observer newspaper, further printed extra copies which they hid at the back of the company for distribution to a  Nigerian vendor. The accused were arrested by personnel of The Gambia Police Force led by Lamin Bojang, as they were found with stolen copies. They were questioned and interrogated by the said police and they confessed doing the act. They were later taken to Kairaba Police station where they were cautioned and charged for the said offence.

In their pleas of mitigation, the four men begged for court mercy noting that it will not happen again. Delivering her judgment, Magistrate Sainabou Wadda-Ceesay emphasised that as employees of the Observer Company, they should help to safeguard the properties of the company, noting that the company has placed a lot of trust and confidence in them.

"That is why you have access to the company and its premises. You should work towards the sustainability of the paper, thus, earning your individual livelihood. I must express my disappointment with you, because as employees, you should be loyal to your employer," she said. Meanwhile, the case for the fifth accused, Destiny Omos, has been  adjourned to March 16 for hearing.