By Amadou Jadama
A lady, who assaulted a child by beating her with a pestle in a video that went viral and left many Gambians shocked, has been found guilty yesterday afternoon by a magistrate’s court in Brikama.
Principal magistrate Isatou Dabo ordered that the accused be held in custody pending her sentencing on October 4.
Adama Jarju of Lamin village caused outrage when a video of her beating an 8-year-old girl went viral.
She was found guilty on a charge of assault.
Police prosecutor ASP Buteh Sawaneh told the court that the incident happened on 16 September in Lamin Kerewan.
The court heard that while the accused was beating the victim, one Fatoumata Sisawo approached her and told her to stop beating the victim but she refused.
ASP Sawaneh said Ms Sisawo then called for help before using her phone to shoot the scene.
“The neighbours came and removed the victim from her. The accused was arrested and she was first detained at New Yundum police station where she accepted responsibility under interrogation.
“During the interrogation at police headquarters, a pestle was shown to her and she recognised it [as the one she used to assault the child].
ASP Sawaneh said the victim was also taken to hospital where she was treated by one Doctor B Daffeh and discharged.
The voluntary and cautionary statements were obtained from the accused in the presence of an independent witness, and read to her in a language she understood. She thump printed while the independent witness also signed.
A video documenting the assault was played in court.
