The Kombo South District tribunal, led by Chief Ajay Janneh, yesterday convicted and sentenced one Tijan Sanyang and Muhammad Jallow to a fine of D4, 600 each, in default to serve three months imprisonment. The heavy sentence was levied on the two youths after they were found guilty by the tribunal of the illegal cutting of twelve rhun palm trees, contrary to section (1a) and (1k) of the Forestry Act.

The duo was said to have cut down the trees at Kartong forest where they were eventually caught in the nets of the Western Region forestry officers.

In their mitigation plea, the two youths begged for mercy, stating that their act was due to frustrations and that there was no activity for them to engage themselves in.

Handing down his verdict, Chief Ajay Janneh urged Tijan and Muhammad to distance themselves from cutting down trees without lawful authority. He also advised them to try and engage themselves in activities that do not contravene the laws of the state.

Chief Janneh then sentenced the two youths to pay the sum of D4,600 each in default to spend three month in prison.