A high court judge freed a man accused of murder after finding the prosecution's case full of holes. Justice George Okello threw out the charges on April 4, 2025, saying prosecutors failed to prove the suspect was anywhere near the crime scene.
The case revolved around Tom Richard Oleno's death. People claimed he was beaten up after being accused of stealing clothes from a woman named Sabina Adule. Oleno died after a mob attack on February 11, 2020, in Abongodero village. Local authorities found his body at the home of Patrick Okello, the LC I vice-chairperson, who reported the incident to police.
The accused maintained he was home when the assault happened. During the trial, Justice Okello emphasized that prosecutors needed to disprove the suspect's account. No witnesses could place the accused at the scene or show that he participated in the attack. Police testimony relied heavily on statements from Patrick Okello. However, during questioning, Okello changed his story. He admitted he never saw the attack and only heard about it from Adule.
Critically, Adule had passed away before the trial, creating a massive problem for the prosecution. The judge criticized the use of secondhand information and pointed out that Adule could have been a crucial witness. Inconsistent testimonies and a lack of direct evidence meant the prosecution's case crumbled.
Following legal precedent, the judge explained that when doubt exists about a suspect's involvement, the benefit must go to the accused. The court assessors agreed unanimously. Justice Okello ordered the immediate release of the suspect, declaring the prosecution evidence insufficient to prove any connection to the murder.
The case highlights significant challenges in criminal investigations. Weak evidence, missing witnesses, and unclear testimonies can derail a prosecution's efforts to secure a conviction. It underscores the importance of thorough investigation and reliable witness accounts in criminal proceedings.
The case revolved around Tom Richard Oleno's death. People claimed he was beaten up after being accused of stealing clothes from a woman named Sabina Adule. Oleno died after a mob attack on February 11, 2020, in Abongodero village. Local authorities found his body at the home of Patrick Okello, the LC I vice-chairperson, who reported the incident to police.
The accused maintained he was home when the assault happened. During the trial, Justice Okello emphasized that prosecutors needed to disprove the suspect's account. No witnesses could place the accused at the scene or show that he participated in the attack. Police testimony relied heavily on statements from Patrick Okello. However, during questioning, Okello changed his story. He admitted he never saw the attack and only heard about it from Adule.
Critically, Adule had passed away before the trial, creating a massive problem for the prosecution. The judge criticized the use of secondhand information and pointed out that Adule could have been a crucial witness. Inconsistent testimonies and a lack of direct evidence meant the prosecution's case crumbled.
Following legal precedent, the judge explained that when doubt exists about a suspect's involvement, the benefit must go to the accused. The court assessors agreed unanimously. Justice Okello ordered the immediate release of the suspect, declaring the prosecution evidence insufficient to prove any connection to the murder.
The case highlights significant challenges in criminal investigations. Weak evidence, missing witnesses, and unclear testimonies can derail a prosecution's efforts to secure a conviction. It underscores the importance of thorough investigation and reliable witness accounts in criminal proceedings.
