Jailed Java boss appeals against his sentence

By Evelyn Kwamboka

Former Java Coffee House Managing Director John Cardon Wagner, who was sentenced to 15 years in jail, is back in court.

Wagner moved to the High Court in Nairobi yesterday to apply to be set free on bail, pending his appeal against the sentence and conviction.

He said his appeal that has 51 grounds has overwhelming chances of success.

The American was found guilty of defiling three girls aged between 13 and 14 at his Lavington home, last year. His two co-accused, Judy Nyaguthii and Faith Nyawira, were sentenced to 10 years each for exposing the girls to prostitution.

Wagner yesterday told High Court Judge Mohammed Warsame that the trial magistrate, Ms Teresia Ngugi, erred in her judgement.

Through his advocate Pravin Bowry, Wagner said the magistrate amended the charge sheet in her judgement, a move he termed unlawful.

Hearing continues on Friday.