KAKATA, December 4 (LINA) -A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in jail for armed robbery and aggravated assault meted out against James Binda, a motorcyclist in Kakata, Margibi County, six months ago.

Margibi County 13th Circuit Court Judge Mardea  Tarr-Chenoweth sentenced Otis Tarpeh Monday affirming the unanimous verdict of a 15-man jury which examined evidence adduced against the convict during the trial.
 
According to the Liberia News Agency, Tarpeh and his accomplice, Barcus Gaye (still at large), contracted Binda for a motorcycle ride on June 11, 2014.
 
Prosecutor Isaac George, Jr. said during the trial that Tarpeh ordered Binda to stop at an isolated area near a church in Cotton Tree outside Kakata and put his hand in a black plastic bag under the pretext of taking out some money to pay for the ride.
 
George argued it was at that juncture Tarpeh splashed dried pepper dust in Tamba’s face when the victim grabbed Tarpeh’s coat tail while the pair were attempting to flee with his bike.  
 
According to the prosecutor, Tarpeh stabbed Binda twice on his back and once under his left eye, leaving him unconscious until he was later rescued by the people of the village.
 
Defense Attorney Moses Nyangbe, Jr. noted that his client is not guilty of the crime, arguing that Tarpeh never saw Binda the day he was allegedly attacked.
 
In her ruling, Judge  Madea Tarr-Chenoweth said Tarpeh was adjudged guilty of the crime of armed robbery and aggravated assault and “hereby sentenced to 10 years in prison”.
 
Following the court’s ruling, counsel for the defendant took exception and announced an appeal to the Supreme Court.
LINA