A 33-year-old man was on Thursday arraigned before a Mombasa Court to answer to charges of having sexual intercourse with a high school student.

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The court heard that the accused, Mr Kengo Joto, was arrested on Tuesday after he was found in a lodging with Catherine Ngoja, who was reporting back to school.

The prosecution told the court that the two were arrested in a guest house located within Kenya Ferry area in Likoni, after Mombasa County officers received information that a student was spotted entering a lodging which was rented by Mr Kengo.

Mr Kengo, who said he dropped out of class five, told the court that he was in love with Catherine, despite her being a student and younger than him.

The court heard that Catherine was taken to Coast General hospital after the arrest where her age was determined to be 19 years.

In his ruling, Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate Martin Rabera said the court considered the mitigation of the two, and ordered they be set free.

Magistrate Rabera however asked Mr Kengo to let Catherine continue with her studies.

The magistrate also advised Catherine to continue with her studies and assured her of getting a good husband once she completed her education.