Joseph s/o Mbura v. R., Crim. Rev. 30-A-67, 7/9/67, Platt, J.

Joseph s/o Mbura v. R., Crim. Rev. 30-A-67, 7/9/67, Platt, J.

Accused was convicted of bribing a Government employee. He was a first offender; the amount of the bribe was Shs. 50/- The trial court found the small amount involved to be a special circumstance and therefore imposed a sentence of 9 months imprisonment.

            Held: There is authority for the view that if the amount of bribe is minute and the character of the offence can only be said to be trivial, this can constitute a special circumstance. “……. Shs 50/- cannot be considered a trivial amount.” Sentence enhanced to 2 years imprisonment and 24 strokes.