Fisherman jailed, fined for attempted theft

KOTA KINABALU: A fisherman was sentenced to 12 months' in jail and fined RM1,000, in default, six months' jail by the Magistrate's Court here yesterday for attempting to steal RM371.30 worth of chocolates and two bottles of mouthwash.

Ibno Hashim Asmad, 39, who appeared before magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie, admitted to attempting to steal 47 packets of chocolates and two bottles of mouthwash from a supermarket here on December 7.

The charge, under Section 380, read together with Section 511, of the Penal Code, provides for a jail term of five years and a fine, upon conviction.

Prosecuting officer Inspector Suzie@ Stephanie Kupit told the court that the accused had concealed the mouthwash inside his bag and when confronted as he approached the staircase, he threw away his bag and ran away. The accused was pursued and a scuffle ensued before he was finally detained.

A check on the accused's bag revealed the bottles of mouthwash and 47 packets of chocolates, which he had taken without making any payment to the supermarket.

In mitigation, counsel Rhubica Munira for the accused, pleaded for a lenient sentence to be imposed on the accused on the grounds that he is the sole breadwinner for his family and slightly disabled. Counsel also pleaded for the accused to serve his jail term from the date of his arrest.

The court ordered Ibno to serve his jail sentence from the date of his arrest on December 7.

In an unrelated case, the same court fined a man RM2,500, in default, two months jail for possession of four pieces of illegal lottery tickets.

Ho Shun Pin, 41, pleaded guilty as charged under Section 9 (1) of the Common Gaming House Act 1953, which is punishable with a fine of up to RM5,000 or a maximum jail term of six months or both, upon conviction.

The accused was arrested in front of a shop in Inanam on November 6.