[1987] KEHC 78 (KLR)
The court found that the trial magistrate's visit to the scene was proper and did not prejudice the appellant, as there was no evidence that either side wished to record a statement at the scene or was refused. The denial of bail after the scene visit was within the magistrate's discretion and did not amount to...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [1987] KEHC 78 (KLR)
- Parties
- Appellant: Kavite; Respondent: Republic
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Machakos
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Appeal 145 of 1987
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Appeal / Judgment
- Outcome
- appeal dismissed
- Judges
- ENA Torgbor
- Legal Topics
- Land Offences, Sentencing Principles, Judicial Discretion, Bail and Remand
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Kavite
Appellant
Republic
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Judgment
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the trial magistrate's visit to the scene and failure to record statements prejudiced the appellant.
- 2 Whether the denial of bail after the scene visit constituted judicial bias.
- 3 Whether the conviction and sentence were properly based on the evidence.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the trial magistrate's visit to the scene was proper and did not prejudice the appellant, as there was no evidence that either side wished to record a statement at the scene or was refused. The denial of bail after the scene visit was within the magistrate's discretion and did not amount to bias, as the principles in Tumaini v Republic were not breached. The conviction was supported by evidence that the appellant uprooted sisal demarcating the boundary of the complainant's plot. The sentence imposed was within statutory limits and not excessive. Accordingly, the appeal against conviction and sentence was dismissed.
Court Disposition
appeal dismissed
Orders
- The appeal against conviction and sentence is dismissed.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
15 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA
AT MACHAKOS
CRIMINAL APPEAL NO 145 OF 1987
KAVITE………,……………….………APPELLANT
V
REPUBLIC…………………………………..RESPONDENT
JUDGMENT
The appellant was convicted under section 330 of the Lands Adjudication Act (cap 284 of the laws for uprooting sisal demarcating the boundary of plot No 1377 belonging to one Makau Monewa. He was sentenced to 4 months imprisonment plus a fine of Kshs 1,500.
Appellant counsel complains firstly that the trial magistrate failed to record what was said at the scene by the prosecution or the defence. It is not apparent from the record whether the magistrate visited the scene with a view of conducting a trial threat. Nor is it apparent whether either side wished to record a statement at the scene but was refused by the magistrate. I therefore make no findings on these matters. I am satisfied however that the magistrate went to the scene to satisfy himself as to whether or not the alleged uprooting of sisal had taken place. The record shows that he found the sisal uprooted and was satisfied that it was the appellant who did so. I find no fault with the said visit by the magistrate and the appellant counsel has been unable to satisfy this court as to the precise prejudice, if any, caused to the appellant by the said visit. The appellant counsel complained also that the appellant was initially granted bail but that after the visit to the scene he was remanded in custody and that therefore the trial magistrate was biased against the appellant. When and accused person appears in court in response to summons his bail is at an end on the return date. Thereafter it is within the discretion of the court whether or not to grant any subsequent bail consequent upon adjournment of the case. I am not satisfied that the allegation of bias has been substantiated or can be substantiated by the denial of bail as it is with the powers of the court to grant or not to grant bail. Counsel has referred to the principles in the case ofTumaini v Republic1972 EA 441 at p 444 with which I respectfully agree but am of the view that those principles were not breached by the trial magistrate. I am satisfied on the evidence in the record that the conviction was properly based.
The maximum sentence for the offence charged is a fine not exceeding Kshs 3,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or both. The sentence of the trial court is not in my view excessive considering all the circumstances of this case and I will therefore a not disturb it.
Consequently the appeal against conviction and sentence will fail and it is dismissed.
July 3, 1987
TORGBOR
JUDGE