Appeal. from Conviction for
Manslaughter -Severity of
Sentence of fifteen years imprisonment
on simplee instance of
'violence.
There is no need to set out the
facts.
. S. Beoku Betts for
Crown.
S. Bankole Jones for
Appellant.
The following joint judgment was
delivered:
KINGDON, C.J., NIGERIA,
PETRIDES, C.J., COLD COAST.
GHAHAM PAUL, C .• I., SIERRA
LEONE.
In this ease
the appellant was charged with
murder and convicted of
manslaughter and sentenced to
fifteen years imprisonment.
with hard labour. He is not a
member of the professional
criminal class and so far as
appears his act was a simple
instance of violence. Having
regard to this we think that the
sentence was far too severe. At
the same time a sentence of
considerable severity is
necessary as a deterrent. The
sentence passed at the trial is
quashed and in substitution
therefor the appellant i8
sentenced to five years
imprisonment with hard labour to
date from the date of his
conviction, the period during
which he has been treated as an
unconvicted prisoner pending
appeal to count towards his
sentence.
