[2007] KEHC 1635 (KLR)
The court found that the grounds raised by the appellant were purely in mitigation and did not challenge the validity of the conviction or the legality of the sentence. The trial magistrate had already considered all mitigating factors before imposing the sentence of 5 years imprisonment for manslaughter, which is...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2007] KEHC 1635 (KLR)
- Parties
- Appellant: Dionisio Njeru; Respondent: Republic
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Embu
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Appeal 126 of 2003
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Appeal / Judgment
- Outcome
- appeal dismissed
- Legal Topics
- Manslaughter, Sentencing Principles, Mitigation, Appeal Dismissal
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Dionisio Njeru
Appellant
Republic
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the sentence of 5 years imprisonment for manslaughter was excessive or warranted interference by the appellate court.
- 2 Whether the grounds raised by the appellant constituted valid grounds of appeal or mere mitigation.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the grounds raised by the appellant were purely in mitigation and did not challenge the validity of the conviction or the legality of the sentence. The trial magistrate had already considered all mitigating factors before imposing the sentence of 5 years imprisonment for manslaughter, which is significantly below the maximum sentence of life imprisonment prescribed by law. The appellate court held that the sentence was lenient given the loss of life and found no reason to interfere with the trial court's discretion. Consequently, the appeal lacked merit and was dismissed.
Court Disposition
appeal dismissed
Orders
- The appeal is dismissed.
- The sentence of 5 years imprisonment imposed by the trial court is upheld.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
27 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA
AT EMBU
CRIMINAL APPEAL 126 OF 2003
DIONISIO NJERU…………………………..…………………………APPELLANT
VERSUS
REPUBLIC………….………………………………………………RESPONDENT
JUDGMENT
Criminal Appeal No. 126 of 2003 was filed by Dionisio Njeru arising from Criminal conviction in Criminal Case No. 2901 of 2002 in Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court at Embu.
The appeal argued then on the appointed dated was No.126/2003 regarding Dionisio Njeru. When the appellant was called upon to address the court he said “I rely on the grounds of appeal and has nothing to add”. His grounds set out in the petition of appeal are that
1. the deed occurred under the influence of alcoholic beverages beyond his control and he is very remorseful.
2. I promise to keep off alcohol to abide fully with the laws of the country
3. That I have large family to cater for and my imprisonment will impede their progress.
4. That my health is falling.
Prayer for acquittal or an option of non custodial sentence. These grounds are all in mitigation and admission that the incident occurred while under the influence of drink. The appellant does not challenge the validity of the Judgment of Trial Magistrate. The State Counsel opposed the appeal and submitted that sentence of 5 years is within the law. The maximum sentence prescribed under section 205 Penal Code is life imprisonment. I have considered the record and the grounds of appeal set out by the Appellant. These are grounds which he should have given to the Trial Magistrate in mitigation. But he pleaded for leniency since he had stayed in custody for long.
It is my finding the trial Magistrate took into the consideration of all mitigation to reach the sentence of 5 years imprisonment for the offence of manslaughter. Considering life of another person was lost the sentence of 5 years imprisonment is not excessive for this offence. I consider it lenient and I do not see any reason to interfere.
This appeal has no merit and the same is hereby dismissed.
Dated this 1st March, 2007.
J. N. KHAMINWA
JUDGE
1/3/2007
Khaminwa – Judge
Njue Clerk
Mr. Kimathi for State
Appellant present in person.
Judgment read in open court.
J. N. KHAMINWA