Impersonator jailed for six years after repeat offences

Mohamed Ali

An ex-con, who robbed unsuspecting victims, including schoolgirls whom he tricked into believing he was a teacher, will be behind bars for the next six years.

Before handing down the sentence to Mohamed Ali for three counts of simple larceny and two counts of fraudulent conversion, Magistrate Geeta Chandon-Edmond took into consideration a probation report on Ali. The report revealed that he had a troubled childhood coupled with an absence of a relationship with his mother, which still affects him. However, the welfare officer noted that a minor sentence would not be in Ali’s interest, since although he recently served a lengthy prison sentence, he resorted to crimes shortly after.

“He is already known for his behaviour. If you place him on probation, he will have to report once every week for counselling, which will be inadequate for him. He needs frequent counselling and monitoring,” the officer said, while advising the court that a long sentence will afford the defendant adequate guidance and help,