R. v. Alli s/o Saidi, Dist. Ct. Crim. Case 21-Kisarawe-67 5/9/67, Inspection Note by Saidi, J.

R. v. Alli s/o Saidi, Dist. Ct. Crim. Case 21-Kisarawe-67 5/9/67, Inspection Note by Saidi, J.

Accused was convicted of obtaining credit bye false pretences. [P.C. s. 305(1)(a).] The incident was petty, involving Shs. 1/15 in bus fare. He was therefore sentenced to one month’s imprisonment, with a recommendation for extra-mural labor.

            The Court noted: Short-term imprisonment has little deterrent value. It introduces the accused to an economically secure environment in which he may make the acquaintance of more experienced criminals. The brief confinement does not effectively chasten the offender, nor does it afford an unskilled person the opportunity for training that may be useful in the future. In this case, then, the recommendation for extra-mural labor was a good one; however, a fine or discharge would have been most appropriate.