Ex-Prisons Director Charged With Stealing

By Bakary Samateh

The former Director of Prisons Department, David Colley, was on Tuesday, 12 June 2007 arraigned before Magistrate BY Camara of Banjul Magistrates’ Court on a two-count charge of stealing.

The first count states that between 2006 and 2007 at the Mile Two Central Prisons, the Director of Prisons stole the sum of D27,000 which belongs to the Gambia Prison Department.

The second charge states  that on or about 23 September 2004 at the Old Jeshwang Prison he stole a generator of specification 5.5 horse power valued at thirty-five thousand dalasis, which belongs to the Gambia Prisons Department.

When the charge sheet was read out to him, he pleaded not guilty. According to him, he was unable to contact a lawyer as he had been in custody since his arrest. He added that he was brought to court without being told.

Inspectors Touray and Keita, who led the prosecution team, told the court that the accused was alleged to have been involved in a series of offences committed during his tenure in the office. They added that the investigation is still going on. As a result, they argued that the accused should not be granted bail until the investigation is complete.

Then the case was adjourned.