Justice Jaiteh delivered a powerful condemnation of domestic violence before sentencing Yugo Sowe to life imprisonment for a brutal cutlass attack that left his wife permanently disabled and confined to a wheelchair.

In a judgment underscoring the gravity of gender-based violence, the judge stressed that marriage does not give anyone the right to control, threaten or abuse their partner.

“A spouse is not property. A spouse is not a servant. A spouse is not an object to be controlled through threats, intimidation, coercion, or violence,” Justice Jaiteh said.

He also urged women to take threats of violence seriously and seek help before situations escalate.

“Women must be vigilant and must never dismiss repeated threats of violence as mere anger or empty words,” he warned.

The case arose from a vicious attack in which Sowe repeatedly hacked his wife with a cutlass, inflicting severe injuries that left her permanently disabled and dependent on a wheelchair.

During the trial, the court heard evidence that the assault was deliberate and sustained. Medical evidence detailed the extent of the injuries and the devastating, lifelong impact on the survivor.

After reviewing the evidence, Justice Jaiteh found Sowe guilty of intentional harm, attempted murder, assault causing grievous bodily harm, wounding and domestic violence.

In imposing a life sentence, the judge said the court had a duty to protect vulnerable victims and send an unequivocal message that domestic violence would not be tolerated.