FORMER Finance minister Tendai Biti was yesterday fined US$300 for assaulting a local businesswoman, Tatiana Aleshina.
Magistrate Vongai Muchuchuti Guwuriro also slapped him with a six month wholly suspended sentence.
In sentencing Biti, Guwuriro said the court considered that he is a diabetic patient and a former minister.
“This conviction is not the first by accused, he knows very well how to conduct himself in court as a legal practitioner. The society also demands more in his behaviour. The protection of the society relies on him as a former legislator,” the Magistrate ruled.
“A custodial sentence would be too harsh and also a community service should be reserved for serious offenders. No lawyer enjoys to be in the dock and he unsuccessfully tried to do an out of court settlement.”
In mitigation, Biti apologised to the woman.In sentencing Biti, Guwuriro said the court considered that he is a diabetic patient and a former minister.
“This conviction is not the first by accused, he knows very well how to conduct himself in court as a legal practitioner. The society also demands more in his behaviour. The protection of the society relies on him as a former legislator,” the Magistrate ruled.
“A custodial sentence would be too harsh and also a community service should be reserved for serious offenders. No lawyer enjoys to be in the dock and he unsuccessfully tried to do an out of court settlement.”
In mitigation, Biti apologised to the woman.
NewsDay