‘Paedophile’ pleads not guilty

Anthony Michael Dobson, a Norwegian tourist who is standing trial on charges of defiling a minor and child pornography, which contravene Section 127(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 10 Volume III of the amended Children Act 2005 and Section 8 (1)(a) of the Tourism Act 2003, has pleaded not guilty.

The embattled Norwegian appeared before Magistrate Ayoub John Njie of the Brikama Magistrates Court. According to the prosecution, Anthony Michael Dobson unlawfully and carnally defiled a young girl (name withheld) who was less than 18 years at Yarambamaba Estate, along Coastal Road, Old Yundum. Mr Dobson was also charged for taking indecent photographs of a child (name withheld) between the months of July and August, this year, at the same place.

His Gambian accomplice, Mustapha Drammeh, is also facing trial for procuring a child (name withheld) for Mr Anthony, which is contrary to Section 30(1)(a) of the Children’s Act. Mr Drammeh has also pleaded not guilty.

When the case was mentioned, the presiding magistrate informed the court about the request of the defence counsel, Borry Touray, for an adjournment of the trial, which he later granted. However, the police prosecutor, ASP Touray made an application for the court to refuse the two accused persons bail, saying that the case is still under investigation.

His application was granted by the presiding magistrate, who subsequently adjourned the matter to September 11.