A man who pleaded guilty to possessing 200 grams of bhang has been put on probation after he convinced a Thika court that he is the family’s bread winner.
Johana Gichungu who is one handed appeared before principal magistrate J W Onchuru and was charged with having the drug valued at Sh500 on the streets.
The court heard that on August 17 this year, police patrolling in Gatunguru village were tipped off by members of the public that the accused person was selling bhang.
The police caught up with him and searched him and they were able to recover the drug in his pockets. He was then arrested and taken to Gatunguru police post. The bang was produced in court as evidence.
In his defence, the accused told the court that since he was involved in an accident which saw him lose one of his hands, he has had a lot of problems fending for his family as he cannot do manual jobs like he used to.
He said that he is a father of five and they are the only children in the school who do not carry packed lunch as he cannot afford three meals a day. He asked the court to acquit him and he would never try to do illegal business again.
The magistrate said that the accused should be presented in court on Monday so that he can be put on probation. The magistrate said that going against the probation terms will see the accused prosecuted and jailed for the offence.