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The Executive Director, Lawyer Claire Carlton-Hanciles with the released convicts

Legal Aid Board Sierra Leone, has aided the release of 14 boys who were standing trial on a five count charge, including 3 counts on Malicious Damage, Riotous Conduct, Throwing Missiles, and Conspiracy. It could be recalled that on the 3rd of September this year, 14 boys attacked the Calaba Town Police Station in the east end of Freetown, which resulted to the destruction of the building. Pleaded guilty and were given suspended sentences.
 

It all started at the Police Executive Board meeting this meeting to which the Legal Aid Board was invited. The Executive Director, Lawyer Claire Carlton-Hanciles said that her office founded out that most of the 14 boys were secondary school pupils and have missed out in the exams. She pointed out that though her office regretted the unfortunate actions of the boys, she stood there to plead on their behalf. She emphatically condemned their actions and warned against a recurrence of such a malicious activity. She pleaded to the police, especially policemen at the Kalaba Town police station to show mercy, and called on the parents of Kalaba Town to conduct their children well.
The parents begged for mercy and promised to have their children obey the law.
Addressing the boys, the Inspector General of Police, IG Francis Munu informed them that the police station the vandalized was their property as residents of that area, and it was their duty to have protected it, instead of vandalizing it. He warned against drinking and the smoking of Kanabais, commonly called Jamba. IG Munu spoke about the successes of people in society today, which was due to proper upbringing and responsible behavior. He advised them to always channel their grievances through the correct channel instead of expatiating such lawlessness. He then instructed the Legal wing of the police to take the necessary steps in court to have them released.
During the deliberations, the Assist Inspector General responsible for the east, AIG Memu pointed out that the actions of the boys were unforgivable as they pelted the police station and also intended to burn down the station. She warned against such lawless activities in the country, especially in her area of operation.
The parents thanked the Legal Aid Board for helping to secure their children’s release.

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