Three fresh criminal charges have been slammed on Lt Bakary Camara, a former protection officer at State House.

Lt Camara has been charged with theft contrary to Section 252 of the Criminal Code and two other charges involving giving false information to a public officer contrary to Section 114 of the Criminal Code.

The particulars of offence on count one stated that Lt Camara on or about 10th January 2008 in Banjul converted Sangyong Karando 290 SR vehicle (number BJL 4063B) -property of the government of The Gambia - to a private ownership and for the use of Domenico Fedeli and thereby committed an offence.

Count 2 and count 3 stated that Lt Camara on or about the 10th January 2008 in Banjul, gave false information to Fansu AD Faburay of the Police Licensing Authority that the president of the Republic gave a gift and authorised the transfer of the motor vehicle Sangyong Karando to a private ownership for the use of Domenico Fedeli - which information was acted upon to effect a transfer of ownership to the said Domenico Fedeli and thereby committed an offence.

The accused Lt Camara denied the charges preferred against him.

The presiding magistrate Kayode Olajubutu of Banjul Magistrates Court granted the accused a court bail to the sum of D50,000 with a Gambian surety.

Inspector Touray represented the IGP in the trial, while Lamin Camara stood in for the accused person as the defence counsel.

The case was adjourned to February 28 for continuation of the proceedings.