1. The accused person was initially charged with the offence of murder but upon entering a plea agreement with the State, the charge was reduced to manslaughter contrary to Section 202 as read with Section 205 of the Penal Code. The offence carries with it a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. It has no minimum sentence.
2. The accused person readily admitted the offence hence saving judicial time. The court also heard and has seen from the pre-bail report filed, that the accused is a first offender. He is also a young offender and is remorseful. It has also been confirmed in the pre-bail report that there were negotiations between his family and that of the victim of the offence, which to this court signifies genuine and honest remorse. The deceased in this case was his best friend and the accused shall therefore carry the weight of his action throughout his life.
3. Given that he admitted the charge and given that he has reconciled with the family of the deceased and also taking into account the other mitigating factors and circumstances, but also not forgetting the seriousness and gravity of the offence, this court finds that a short custodial sentence shall suffice as a punishment for the offence much as the accused has been forgiven by the deceased’s victim’s family. Accordingly, I sentence the accused person to a term of imprisonment for six (6) years.
4. Right of Appeal to the Court of Appeal (on sentence only) is explained. Court has noted accused has been on bond throughout the trial.
Orders accordingly.
JUDGMENT DATED, SIGNED AND DELIVERED VIRTUALLY ON THIS 3RD DAY OF JUNE 2025.
2. The accused person readily admitted the offence hence saving judicial time. The court also heard and has seen from the pre-bail report filed, that the accused is a first offender. He is also a young offender and is remorseful. It has also been confirmed in the pre-bail report that there were negotiations between his family and that of the victim of the offence, which to this court signifies genuine and honest remorse. The deceased in this case was his best friend and the accused shall therefore carry the weight of his action throughout his life.
3. Given that he admitted the charge and given that he has reconciled with the family of the deceased and also taking into account the other mitigating factors and circumstances, but also not forgetting the seriousness and gravity of the offence, this court finds that a short custodial sentence shall suffice as a punishment for the offence much as the accused has been forgiven by the deceased’s victim’s family. Accordingly, I sentence the accused person to a term of imprisonment for six (6) years.
4. Right of Appeal to the Court of Appeal (on sentence only) is explained. Court has noted accused has been on bond throughout the trial.
Orders accordingly.
JUDGMENT DATED, SIGNED AND DELIVERED VIRTUALLY ON THIS 3RD DAY OF JUNE 2025.