Podinona Perera V. Haniffa

1953 Present: Swan J,

PODINONA PERERA, Appellant, and HANIFFA (Inspector),
Respondent

S. C. 860-M. C. Kegalle, 37,335

Brothels Ordinance-Charge of " Keeping or managing a brothel "-Quantum of evidence -Sentence.

If a person keeps in a place even one solitary prostitute to be supplied to all comers, that person may be convicted of " keeping or managing a brothel ".

Where a Magistrate chooses to impose a sentence of imprisonment rather than a fine for a first offence under the Brothels Ordinance, he must give reasons for so doing, or at least the proceedings must show that he has exercised his discretion properly.

APPEAL from a judgment of the Magistrate's Court, Kegalle.

C. R. Gunaratne, for the accused appellant.

A. Mahendrarajah, Crown Counsel, for the Attorney-General.

Cur. adv. vult.

January 30, 1953. SWAN J.-

The appellant was charged with having on 20. 3. 1952 kept or managed a brothel. She was convicted and sentenced to undergo a term of two months rigorous imprisonment. Mr. C. R. Gunaratne appearing for her contends that the evidence falls far short of establishing the charge of "keeping or managing a brothel ".At the tim

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