UPDATE:
PENNY Sparrow has plead guilty to charges of crimen injuria and has been ordered by Magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo to pay a fine of R5000 or serve 12 months’ imprisonment.
Ms Sparrow was unable to pay the fine in full at the time of the ruling, however Magistrate Hlatshwayo was not unmerciful and stated that she could pay the outstanding R4000 over a period of four months.
Before the Magistrate ruled, Ms Sparrow tendered a formal apology which was heard in court.
“I realise what I did was wrong,” said a tearful Ms Sparrow, adding that: “It is difficult to put into words the regret that I feel. I will from now on strive to be a better citizen. Respecting others and working towards making our country a better place to live in.”
Ms Sparrow also has to submit further formal apologies through various channels.
She was also sentenced to a period of two years’ imprisonment, which was suspended for five years, and declared unfit to possess a firearm.
Super Zuma, the African National Congress’s provincial secretary, confirmed that they were pleased with the ruling. “As the ANC, we are really satisfied. The law has taken its course and we accept her apology.”
Mr Zuma added that he hopes this will serve as a lesson to all others who utter racist comments.
ORIGINAL STORY:
EMBATTLED former estate agent, Penny Sparrow appeared in the Scottburgh Magistrate’s Court today.
Despite proceedings starting late, the State submitted an application for a stand down of 30 minutes in which to discuss the terms of a plea bargain with Ms Sparrow’s Legal Aid attorney, Elaine MacDonald.
Despite Magistrate Vincent Hlatshwayo’s patent disapproval, he granted the application.
Referring to the Section 105 plea bargain, Magistrate Hlatshwayo said that this should have been done long before arriving at court, and not on the day.
Court proceeded after the break, only for the case, which revolves around Sparrow’s racist Facebook comments earlier this year, to be postponed until 11.30am pending feedback from the Director of Public Prosecutions on the proposed plea bargain.
Update to follow when Court resumes.
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