![A middle-aged man, who ate a meal worth Ksh1, 310 at Java restaurant but couldn’t raise the money, was on Tuesday freed by Magistrate Andayi. [PHOTO | K24 DIGITAL]](https://i0.wp.com/www.k24tv.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/AMBATSA.jpg?resize=730%2C414&ssl=1)
A middle-aged man, who ate a meal worth Ksh1, 310 at Java restaurant but couldn’t raise the money, was on Tuesday, December 17, freed by Milimani Chief Magistrate Francis Andayi.
Michael Masinga Ambatsa, a Nairobi hawker, pleaded guilty to the offence.
The court was told that on Monday, December 16, Ambatsa ate chicken and chips and took a litre of juice at the Java-Kimathi Street branch, but couldn’t pay when he was presented with a Ksh1, 310 bill.
Also Read:
There was a light moment in the court when the magistrate joked that the accused had vowed to eat at Java at least once in his lifetime, even if he cannot afford meals at the restaurant.
“Ambatsa, yaani uliamua lazima ukule Java kabla ufe [Ambatsa, you had literally vowed to ensure you have eaten a meal at Java before you die?],” joked Magistrate Andayi.
Ambatsa responded in the affirmative, saying his decision was not wisely thought out.
“I admit that I made a stupid mistake ordering a meal and drink that I wasn’t in a position to pay for,” said the accused.
While freeing Ambatsa “for being honest”, the magistrate warned the accused against repeating the same offence.
