Judgement in infanticide trial

Senior Magistrate Kumba Sillah-Camara of the Bundung Magistrates Court has convicted and sentenced one Binta Jatta, to a two-year jail term with hard labour without any option of a fine.

Ms Jatta is guilty of dumping her newborn baby girl into a toilet pit on May 17 at Fajikunda, Kanifing Municipality.

Binta Jatta had pleaded guilty to the charge levelled against her. However, in her plea for mitigation, she begged the court to exercise mercy.

In her judgment, the presiding magistrate, Kumba Sillah-Camara said though the accused has admitted guilt and has begged the court for mercy as a first-time offender, she “must be punished” for the grievous crime she has committed.