High Court Judge Dorothy Alethea DeGabriele has been awarded Commonwealth Scholarship barely days after slapping well-known businessman Thom Mpinganjira with a 9 years jail sentence in case where he attempted to bribe judges handling the presidential polls case.

On Tuesday this week, Judge DeGabriele delivered what can be described as a landmark ruling which saw Mpinganjira and his relatives shedding tears in disbelief.

The ruling reminded Malawians of the historic presidential polls case where constitutional court ordered for fresh Presidential polls in the country.

Judge De Gabriele has confirmed of the development in a statement posted on her official facebook page seen by this publication.

“I will be undertaking a PhD study (Law) at the University of Warwick. My area of study is around Governance and effective electoral justice systems, looking at the role of courts throughout the electoral cycle. I am persuaded that this area of research will positively impact on governance institutions in terms of formulating policies, fostering, and broadening legal and socio-political dialogue.

“I am looking forward to gaining skills in multidisciplinary research and conceptual analysis, as well as add to the existing body of knowledge through publishing,” wrote DeGabriele.

Meanwhile it is not known as to when Judge DeGabriele will be starting her studies.