By Staff Writer:
Lawyers representing the 19-year-old Mussa John who has had his eight years sentences slashed to three years said they will appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court of Appeal.
On Thursday, High Court Judge Vikochi Chima’s reduced the sentence to three years following a review of case files from the Magistrate’s Court.
Mussa was found guilty on his own guilty plea for being found in possession of Indian hemp.
Addressing the media soon after the ruling, Mussa’s lawyer Chikondi Chijozi from Centre for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance (CHREAA) said the defence still feel that the convict does not deserve a custodial sentence.
Among others, Chijozi said Mussa was given an excessive custodial sentence since other offenders in the past were only fined and not given custodial sentences.
The lawyers further argued that the Magistrate Court erred in law for accepting a plea contrary to the statement recorded from the convict since Mussa was not in possession of the illicit drug and the drugs were found at the house of his friend .
Mussa’s lawyers also argued that Mussa was not represented by a lawyer during the proceedings in the magistrate court hence his rights were violated.
According to the lawyers, Mussa is aged 17 and not 19 as it was recorded in the lower court. High Court Judge Vikochi Chima said Mussa’s lawyers can make an application to be allowed to file evidence on the new age.
Mussa was arrested after allegedly being found with 78 plastic bags of Indian Hemp.
