Malick Badjie, a former student of Abuko School and known school drifter, has been sentenced to three years in prison with hard labor after a car drifting incident left a young boy permanently disabled.

The Bundung Magistrates Court also ordered Badjie to pay D1 million in compensation to the victim, Abdourahman Bah. If he fails to pay, he will face an additional two years in prison.

Badjie, who was drifting his car when the accident occurred, was found guilty of reckless driving causing grievous bodily harm.

The incident sparked outrage among parents and community members, highlighting concerns over dangerous driving practices among young people.

Car drifting, a form of reckless driving, is illegal under Gambian traffic laws, which prohibit driving in a manner that endangers the lives of others.

Courts may impose imprisonment, fines, or both for offenses that result in serious injury.

They can also order offenders to pay compensation to victims, with non-payment potentially extending prison sentences.

The Bundung Magistrates Court said the sentence was intended to serve as a warning against reckless driving and to reinforce the justice system’s commitment to protecting public safety.

By Adama Makasuba