[2024] KEHC 16429 (KLR)
The court found that the applicant, having pleaded guilty to preparation to commit a felony and served several months in custody, demonstrated remorse and suitability for rehabilitation. The judge considered the sentencing principles requiring courts to avoid custodial sentences for first offenders in less serious...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2024] KEHC 16429 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: Josphat Kiptoo Mitei; Respondent: Republic
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Eldoret
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Revision E450 of 2024
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Revision / Ruling on Sentence Review
- Outcome
- Custodial sentence set aside; applicant placed on probation for one year.
- Judges
- RN Nyakundi
- Legal Topics
- Sentencing Principles, Preparation to Commit Felony, Non Custodial Sentences, Probation Orders
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Josphat Kiptoo Mitei
Applicant
Republic
Respondent
Procedural Posture
Criminal Revision / Ruling on Sentence Review
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the applicant should benefit from a non-custodial sentence after conviction for preparation to commit a felony.
- 2 What factors should guide the court in reviewing and varying the custodial sentence imposed on the applicant.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the applicant, having pleaded guilty to preparation to commit a felony and served several months in custody, demonstrated remorse and suitability for rehabilitation. The judge considered the sentencing principles requiring courts to avoid custodial sentences for first offenders in less serious offences where possible. The applicant's lack of prior criminal history, his admission of guilt, and the period already spent in custody weighed in favour of a non-custodial sentence. The court determined that a probation order would serve the interests of justice, facilitate the applicant's reintegration, and allow for ongoing monitoring and restorative justice measures....
Court Disposition
Custodial sentence set aside; applicant placed on probation for one year.
Orders
- The custodial sentence of three years' imprisonment is set aside.
- The applicant is placed on a probation sentence of one year.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
22 paragraphs
Mitei v Republic (Criminal Revision E450 of 2024) [2024] KEHC 16429 (KLR) (23 December 2024) (Ruling)
Neutral citation: [2024] KEHC 16429 (KLR)
Republic of Kenya
In the High Court at Eldoret
Criminal Revision E450 of 2024
RN Nyakundi, J
December 23, 2024
Between
Josphat Kiptoo Mitei
Applicant
and
Republic
Respondent
Ruling
1. The applicant was charged with the offence of preparation to commit a felony contrary to section 308(2) of the Penal Code. The particulars of the offence are that on 16th June, 2024 at Chelabal area in Soy Sub-county within Uasin Gishu County, the applicant not being at the place of abode, had with him an article for use in connection with robbery with violence namely axe.
2. The applicant pleaded guilty to the offence before Hon. C. Wattimah on 19th June, 2024 and as a consequence, he was convicted on his own plea of guilty and sentenced to serve 3 years’ imprisonment.
3. The applicant has approached this court pursuant to sections 357,362,364& 382 of the Criminal Procedure Code as construed with Article 50(2) (p) & (q) as conjunctively read with Article 50(6)(a)&(b) of the Constitution.
4. The applicant seeks a sentence review. He pleads that a non-custodial sentence.
5. In determining whether to impose a custodial or non-custodial sentence, the court is required to take into account the following factors: -a.Gravity of the offence: - sentence of imprisonment should be avoided for misdemeanour.b.Criminal history of the offender. Taking into account the seriousness of the offences, first offenders should be considered for non-custodial sentence.c.Character of the offender: - non-custodial sentence are best suited for offenders who are already remorseful and receptive to rehabilitative measures.d.Protection of the community: - where the offender is likely to pose a threat to the community.e.Offender’s responsibility to third parties: - where there are people depending on the offender.
6. The present circumstances of the case are that the applicant was prepared to commit a felony. He admitted to have had the intention of committing a felony. I believe that for the few months he has been in custody, his character has been shaped to a larger extent.
7. From the foregoing, I am of the considered opinion that the applicant ought to benefit from a non-custodial sentence given that he is a suitable candidate for reintegration. The applicant to this end is placed on a probation sentence of 1 year. It is necessary that during the period under review while the applicant is serving probation sentence, quarterly reports be filed in court by the probation officer to capture the elements of restorative justice in this case.
SIGNED, DATE AND DELIVERED AT ELDORET THIS 23RD DAY OF DECEMBER, 2024. …………………………………….R. NYAKUNDIJUDGE