High Court judge Vikochi Chima has reserved her ruling to 22nd of this month an application for fresh evidence in a case involving Mussa John convicted of being found in possession of Indian Hemp without a license.
It follows a preliminary objection which disputed fresh evidence that the convict is aged 17 and not 19 as shown in the court records.
During the hearing, Judge Chima also denied a request for bail application pending for review by the applicant.
In her argument, Chikondi Chijozi, one of the Mussa’s lawyers, told the court the convict did not get a fair trial by not having a legal representation considering the gravity of the case he was answering.
She also told the court that the convict was given an excessive sentence considering the current trend of sentences on similar cases.
However, the state through Gift Nsume argued that the lower court provided beyond reasonable doubt that Mussa owned the illicit drug.
Nsume however agreed with the applicant that the 8-year sentence was too harsh but was quick to say that the convict deserves a custodial sentence.
Mussa John was arrested on 15th June in Kachere Township for being found in possession of Indian Hemp without a license.