Man withdraws police report over chainsaw theft

KOTA KINABALU: A man who lodged a police report against a youth for stealing a branded chainsaw withdrew the report at the Magistrate's Court here yesterday, saying that he felt pity for the accused.

The complainant, known as Loh, told magistrate Cindy Mc Juce Balitus that he wanted to withdraw his report against the accused, Walter Lasingin, 26 as the item has been recovered and that he felt pity for the accused, who is still young.

“The item has already been found by the police, so I don't want to drag this matter further,” said Loh, from the witness dock when answering a question from prosecuting officer Inspector Albert Basiri.

Loh said he also understood that by making such decision, he could not re-open the case in future or blame anyone involved in this case.

The court interpreter then explained to the accused that the complainant in this case had applied for his report against the accused to be withdrawn but an instruction from the deputy public prosecutor's office is still pending.

The prosecution raised no objection to granting bail to the accused. In reply, the unrepresented accused pleaded for a lower bail amount on the grounds that he is from a poor family and that all he has now is only his mother.

The magistrate fixed October 31 for next mention of the case pending instruction from the DPP's office, and granted the accused RM3,000 bail with RM1,500 to be deposited in one local surety.