A dramatic scene unfolded in court as attempted murder accused, Yugo Sowe (Alias Gorgie Sowe), tried to take his own life, prompting a mandatory order from the presiding judge to the Director General of Mile Two Central Prison concerning the accused person’s welfare and a clear threat of self-harm.
Yugo Sowe who is standing trial for a brutal alleged attack on his wife, attempted suicide in the courtroom and disclosed a plan to use medication to kill himself while in prison custody.
Yugo Sowe is facing multiple charges including attempted murder, assault causing grievous bodily harm, intentional harm, wounding, and domestic violence. The prosecution alleges that on November 16, 2023, in Brikama-Jalambang, Yugo Sowe attacked his wife (name withheld) with a cutlass, causing fatal injuries to her legs, arms, and other body parts in an alleged attempt to disfigure and disable her. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the court session, as the case was called, Yugo Sowe entered the box and immediately attempted to climb onto the witness box to throw himself onto the floor in an attempt to commit suicide. He was quickly restrained and saved.
However, upon being subdued, Yugo Sowe disclosed his plan to commit suicide and indicated he had medication that he may use to carry out his suicide threat in the Mile 2 prison.
Upon hearing the serious threat, Justice Jaiteh noted that the disclosure was made with the utmost seriousness and raised “immediate concerns for the safety, welfare, and preservation of life of the Accused while in lawful custody
To mitigate the risk of self-harm, Justice Jaiteh formally placed the Director General of Mile Two Central Prison on mandatory notice by issuing orders to mitigate the risk of self-harm.
Justice Jaiteh directed the Director General of Prisons to take all necessary and reasonable measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the Accused by:
Continuous Observation: Maintaining strict and continuous observation of the Accused.
Medication Control: Monitoring and controlling all medication in his possession, ensuring only medically prescribed quantities are accessible under proper supervision.
Regular welfare checks: Conducting checks consistent with protocols for inmates identified as being at risk of self-harm.
Medical and psychological attention: Ensuring the accused receives appropriate medical and psychological attention as may be required.
Justice Jaiteh’s order further mandates that prison staff must be immediately alerted to the risk posed, and all necessary safeguards must be implemented without delay.
In a strong warning, Justice Jaiteh underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that failure to act diligently in accordance with the Order may result in serious consequences.
Justice Jaiteh added that the order is rooted in the fundamental obligation of the State to protect the life and safety of persons held in its lawful custody.
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