Businessman gets one year over electronic fraud

Jun 17, 2017

“Although these are not simple matters, I consider the mitigating factors of the convict and therefore hand him a lenient sentence on that regard,” the Magistrate noted.

A sign of relief was written all over the face of a 30-year-old businessman who survived being sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of electronic fraud.

Walking with the help of crutches, Geofrey Kasule alias Jeff, 20, clad in a pair of black trousers and a blue short sleeved t-shirt took a deep breath and said oh my God after Buganda Road court Chief Magistrate James Mawanda handed him a one year jail term for his crimes.

Kasule, a businessman and resident of Masanafu Rubaga division in Kampala district was on Friday convicted by court on three counts of interception of computers services, electronic fraud and operating a telecommunication services without a license on his plea of guilty.

 
According to the Magistrate, although the offences attract a maximum penalty of life imprisonment on conviction, he could not hand him a deterrent sentence on grounds that he was remorseful, first offender and did not waste court's time by pleading guilty to the offences.

"Although these are not simple matters, I consider the mitigating factors of the convict and therefore hand him a lenient sentence on that regard," the Magistrate noted.

He also reminded the convict of his right to appeal against the sentence if he believes it is harsh. He also advised the youth not to mess up their professions by involving in such fraudulent acts.  

The Magistrate stated that the sentence will deter the convict from committing the same crime and that there is need for court to safeguard the nation and people against computer misuse.

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