[2005] KEHC 3381 (KLR)
The court found that the statutory period of 12 months for the conclusion of the case, as required by Rule 12(4) of the 5th Schedule of the Children’s Act, had elapsed without the matter being concluded. The prosecution conceded to this fact. Consequently, the court held that the case must be dismissed and the...
Source-derived case information.
- Citation
- [2005] KEHC 3381 (KLR)
- Parties
- Applicant: Republic; Defendant: Benard Keter Ng'eno
- Court
- High Court
- Court Station
- High Court at Nakuru
- Jurisdiction
- Kenya
- Case Number
- Criminal Case 134 of 2003
- Procedural Posture
- Criminal Case / Ruling on Application for Dismissal Due to Lapse of Statutory Period
- Outcome
- case dismissed; accused discharged
- Legal Topics
- Plea Procedure, Children Act Provisions, Statutory Time Limits
- Source Language
- en
Source-derived case record
Summary, issues, holding and outcome
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Parties
Republic
Applicant
Benard Keter Ng'eno
Defendant
Procedural Posture
Criminal Case / Ruling on Application for Dismissal Due to Lapse of Statutory Period
Legal Issues
- 1 Whether the lapse of 12 months as envisaged by Rule 12(4) of the 5th Schedule of the Children’s Act mandates dismissal of the case.
- 2 Whether the accused should be discharged and released from further proceedings for the same offence.
Ratio Decidendi
The court found that the statutory period of 12 months for the conclusion of the case, as required by Rule 12(4) of the 5th Schedule of the Children’s Act, had elapsed without the matter being concluded. The prosecution conceded to this fact. Consequently, the court held that the case must be dismissed and the accused discharged, as further proceedings for the same offence would be contrary to the law.
Court Disposition
case dismissed; accused discharged
Orders
- The case is hereby dismissed.
- The accused is hereby discharged and shall not be liable to any further proceedings for the same offence.
Full Case Text
Judgment text and source record
19 paragraphs
REPUBLIC OF KENYA
IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA AT NAKURU
CRIMINAL DIVISION
CRIMINAL CASE 134 OF 2003
REPUBLIC…………………………………............................…..….…...PROSECUTOR
VERSUS
BENARD KETER NG’ENO…………………............................……..……...ACCUSED
RULING
From the record, it is apparent that the plea was taken on 22nd October, 2003 by Hon. Justice Jessie Lesiit. Apparently, since then, the 12 months that were envisaged by Rule 12 (4) of the 5th Schedule of the Children’s Act has already elapsed. The Assistant Deputy Public Prosecutor viz, Mr.Gumo has correctly and wisely conceded to the application.
In view of the above, the case is hereby dismissed. The Accused is hereby discharged and shall not be liable to any further proceedings for the same offence.
The Subject should be released forthwith unless held lawfully.
Those are the orders of the Court.
MUGA APONDI
JUDGE
21ST JULY, 2005
Ruling written, read, signed and delivered in open Court.
MUGA APONDI
JUDGE
21ST JULY, 2005