A man was on Monday, June 28, sentenced to three months in jail after he refused to return Ksh16,463 (K122,880) which was sent to him by mistake on a mobile money app.

Cyrus Maithya pleaded guilty to the charge before Nairobi Senior Principal magistrate Martha Nazushi.

The magistrate asked the culprit to return the money to the owner but he stated that he had already used it.

Before the magistrate read the sentence, Maithya, who had been charged with two accounts of stealing, pleaded with the court to have mercy on him.

“I have two children who depend on me, please forgive me,” he implored.

Section 34 of the Computer and Cyber Crimes Act, 2018 of the country targets those who intentionally hide or hold electronic messages, electronic payments, credit and debit card details sent in error.