Lilongwe First Grade Magistrate’s Court has sentenced a 41-year-old man to a one and a half year in prison for trying to take his own life.

The man, Yakilini Chinsepo, was on Friday found guilty of attempted suicide, a crime that attracts a maximum two year jail term.

State Prosecutor Sub Inspector Damiano Nyasulu told the court that the convict was a builder at Almeida Construction Company in Njewa.

On 11 May, Chinsepo, who was also staying at the site, stole two jerrycans of 100 litres, 28 used iron sheets, four door frames, 16 timbers and wire, raising suspicions from the owner.

When the owner arrived at the site to inquire about the issue, Chinsepo fled into the company hut and locked himself up.

He was immediately found struggling on a piece of rope, attempting to kill himself.

In his trial, he pleaded guilty and asked the court to be lenient with him, claiming he had kids to look after.

But the State, through Nyasulu, prayed for the court to deal out its harshest punishment on Chinsepo, arguing if he had succeeded in his actions, he would have rendered his employer liable to criminal charges.

In his sentence, First Grade Magistrate Amran Phiri agreed with the State and slapped Chinsepo with a one-and-a-half year in jail to deter other would-be offenders.

Chinsepo comes from Msambo Village Traditional Authority Chimutu in Lilongwe District.