Ansumana Gassama a football coach broke down in tears inside a Kanifing courtroom
Monday as he was sentenced to seven years in prison for raping a 10-year-old boy
under his supervision.
Principal Magistrate Sallah Mbaye of the Kanifing Magistrates Court delivered the
sentence after the accused pleaded guilty to the charge. The court also ordered the
convict to pay 500,000 dalasis in compensation to the young victim, with an additional
one-year jail term if he defaults.
When the charge was read to him in Mandinka, the Gassama admitted to the act but
insisted it was unintentional.
In a dramatic plea for leniency, the man sobbed uncontrollably as he addressed the
court. He described himself as a first-time offender and spoke of the harsh conditions he
endured while awaiting trial at Mile 2 Central Prison.
“I have regretted my actions from the bottom of my heart. I beg this court to forgive me. I
will never do it again. Every single day I spent in Mile 2 was a nightmare,” he said, his
voice trembling.
Prosecutors did not dispute his clean record but stressed the gravity of the victim’s
suffering. They requested compensation, revealing that the child’s family had incurred
heavy medical expenses to treat injuries sustained during the attack.
The horrific incident took place on July 23, 2026. According to court testimony, the
coach called the young boy to his house. Once the child entered, the man allegedly
followed him inside, ordered him to undress, and sexually assaulted him.
