Sixty-year-old man appeals for leniency

  A MAN who had been found guilty of wilful damage to property and attempted arson appeared in court yesterday and appealed for leniency through his lawyer.

William Bill Norris, 60, from Hanuabada village, lives in Hohola and has 10 children from two marriages. He lives with his second wife. 

Through his lawyer, Norris submitted that a custodial sentence be suspended and that he be placed on good behaviour bond for a period to be determined by Justice Panuel Mogish, who had earlier found Norris guilty of wilfully damaging and trying to to set fire to a house on the night of May 2, 2009.

Norris’ lawyer produced a medical report saying Norris suffered from arthritis and high blood pressure. 

Norris claimed to be bedridden as the arthritis had affected his joints and he suffered high blood pressure at the same time.

The medical report said Norris should not be confined to a jail as he would not survive. 

Norris was said to have had a good probation report and that he had a good relationship with his neighbours until May 2, 2009. 

The prosecutor made his submissions on a sentence for Mogish to consider. 

Mogish adjourned the matter to today when he will deliver sentence. 

The house was owned by Toby Gamu and located at section 15, allotment 7, Hibiscus Street, at Hohola in the nation’s capital.