Man slapped 15 months jail sentence for escaping from cell

The Kasungu First Grade Magistrate Court has convicted and sentenced 24-year-old Justin Symon to 15 months imprisonment with hard labour for escaping from police custody.

The state through Prosecutor Assistant Superitendent Vickness Chinseu told the court that Symon was answering a case of causing death due to reckless driving and he was in lawful custody waiting for his judgement on February 15, 2021.

The state further told the court that on February 14, 2021, Symon’s relatives came to visit him and he was let out from the cell. As he was talking to his relatives, he suddenly jumped the Police reception counter and started running away. He was chased by Police officers on duty and got re-arrested. He was later charged with escaping from lawful custody contrary to section 115 of the penal code.

Appearing in court, Symon pleaded guilty to the charge.

In her submission Chinseu told the court that Symon deserved stiffer penalty to teach a lesson and to deter other would-be offenders.

Passing his sentence, First Grade Magistrate Damiano Banda concurred with the state and slapped him with 15 months imprisonment with hard labour.

Justin Symon comes from Hannock village in the area of Traditional Authority Wimbe in Kasungu district.