Man jailed, fined for stealing coins, drinks

KOTA KINABALU: A man was jailed for five years and fined RM6,000, in default, three years in jail by the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday for trespassing into a shop and stealing coins and instant drinks.

Magistrate Mohamad Aizat Abdul Rahim imposed the sentence on Abdul Harun Repin after the latter pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 457 of the Penal Code which is punishable by a jail term of up to 14 years and a fine, upon conviction.

The accused admitted to breaking into the premises owned by a 43-year-old man at Tuaran Township and taking away properties from the shop, namely coins estimated at RM1,000 and several packets of instant coffee on March 13.

Prosecuting officer Inspector Papilus Primus told the court that a CCTV installed inside the shop had recorded the accused breaking into the shop and taking away the cash and the instant coffee.

The police personnel had arrested the accused near a place called Sungai Damit aftre a police report was lodged.

Investigation revealed that the accused admitted to entering the shop by prising opne the main door. Apart from taking away the said items, the accused also cut the computer cable inside the shop. As a result the shop owner lost about RM25,000.

In pleading for a lenient sentence, the accused confided that this was not the first time he committed such an offence, but now he had regretted what he had done.

The accused promised not to repeat a similar offence in future and added that he has to take care of his wife and child.

The court also ordered for the exhibits to be returned to the rightful owner.