IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAWI LILONGWE DISTRICT REGISTRY CRIMINAL APPEAL CASE NO. 65 OF 2008 BETWEEN MANUEL PETER ……………………………………………………………………………… APPELLANT AND THE REPUBLIC ……………………………………………………………………………. RESPONDENT Being Criminal Case No. 9 of 2008 before the Chief Resident Magistrate sitting at the Chief Magistrate’s Court – Lilongwe. CORAM : CHOMBO, J. : : : : Appellant, Unrepresented, Present Mr. Chiundira for the State Mrs. Kabaghe, Court Reporter Mr. Kaferaanthu, Court Interpreter JUDGMENT The appellant was found guilty of defiling Martha Khosa, a girl under the age of 13 years after a full trial. The appellant’s appeal is basically on twoe main grounds. (a) (b) That the sentence is excessive. He looks after his grand parents and children. However, when the appellant took the stand in court he stated further that he does not agree with the conviction and that the sentence is harsh. 1