WOMEN’s TV-Liberia is reporting that Bong County District Three Representative Marvin Cole has dropped criminal charges against Journalist Bettie Johnson-Mbayo at Criminal Court ‘A’.
The Court on Wednesday confirmed to Judicial reporters that Representative Cole dropped his criminal litigation against journalist Bettie Johnson-Mbayo during a pretrial conference with Judge Roosevelt Willie a month ago.
“While pursuing the appeal to the Circuit Court, an out-of-court settlement was brought forth by the friends of the court and therefore since it’s another remedy of the law, the party litigants waved their rights and the circuit judge is to communicate with the magistrate judge to quash the judgement from the magistrate court”, a Court source hinted.
It is believed that the Representative’s action was based on the out of court settlement initiated. As it stands, the Journalist and her husband freedom has since been restored as provided by law.
Meanwhile, Journalist Bettie Mbayo has lauded individuals and institutions for their support during the period of the court proceedings involving the case. “We appreciate the friends of the court who intervened. To our lawyers who tirelessly worked in ensuring that we take an appeal which is a remedy under the law. The Liberia Medical Association and the Press Union of Liberia to all of our friends and family, that stood t by us, we are grateful.
Again, the Mbayos are grateful that the charges against us have been dropped by the court”, Bettie told WOMEN’s TV-Liberia.
The Mbayos were earlier this year charged with Felony Restraint, Terroristic Threat and Disorderly conduct when Bong County Representative Marvin Cole Filed a case against them in the Paynesville City court. They denied all allegations levied against them by the Lawmaker. Rep. Cole accused the Mbayos of blocking the main entrance of his yard with their car and their alleged physical assault against him.
