Court Mandates Legal Aid For Man Accused Of Attempted Murder, Domestic Violence, and Additional Charges

The accused at the high court

By Landing Ceesay 

Honorable Justice Ebrima Jaiteh, presiding over the High Court of the Gambia, issued an order concerning Yugo Sowe, who stands accused of multiple offences, including attempted murder and domestic violence.
The Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, has filed charges against Yugo Sowe. These charges encompass attempted murder under Section 200 of the Criminal Code, domestic violence as per Section 17(2) of the Domestic Violence Act, grievous harm in violation of Section 214 of the Criminal Code, intent to cause grievous harm under Section 212 of the Criminal Code, and wounding according to Section 217 of the Criminal Code.

The Prosecution alleged that Yugo Sowe on the 16th day of November 2023, at Brikama Jalambang in the Kombo Central District of the West Coast Region of the Republic of the Gambia to cause the death of Amie Sowe, hacked her with a cutlass, causing her fatal injuries in her legs, arms and other parts of her body, thereby committing an offence.Yugo Sowe notified the court of his inability to enlist the services of a lawyer for representation. In response, Hon. Justice Jaiteh issued an order for him to receive legal aid during the trial.

“The Accused is charged with a capital offence of attempt to murder and is not a bailable offence. The Accused has indicated to the Court that he cannot afford the services of a lawyer. Accordingly, and pursuant to Section 24(3) of the 1997 Constitution of The Gambia, the Principal Registrar of the High Court is hereby ordered to transmit the bill of indictment and the amended information to the National Agency for Legal Aid for legal representation for the accused person. The order of this Court made on the 5th of March 2024 is hereby renewed. Case adjourned to the 23rd April 2024 at 10:30 am for plea taking,” Hon. Justice Jaiteh ordered.