The Kanifing Magistrates Court presided over by Magistrate Abdoulie Mbackeh, on Tuesday, convicted 12 out of 15 Bissau nationals who were charged with vagrancy.

According to the charge sheet, the 15 were arrested on December 8 at Old Jeshwang by a joint patrol team from the police and immigration department. Sergeant Touray, prosecutor in the case, told the court that the officers found the 15 persons loitering in a place believed to be a hideout for criminals.

After 12 out of the 15 pleaded guilty to the charge, Magistrate Mbackeh convicted them each to a one-month imprisonment without an option of a fine. The remaining three accused persons are expected to stand trial in a few days time.

In another development, one of the convicts, Mario Kebbeh attempted to escape at the Kairaba Police Station but was arrested.  He was later charged for attempting to escape from lawful custody and was sentenced to two months with hard labour meaning he will serve three months imprisonment.