Single mother recharged with disposing of stolen toys

KOTA KINABALU: A single mother, who was recharged with disposing of stolen toy sets, was released by the Magistrate's Court here on RM2,000 bail with two local sureties.

Magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie granted the bail after Martina Ho Su Lin told the court that she had to look after two children and that she never ran away.

Earlier, prosecuting officer Inspector Suzie @ Stephanie Kupit objected to bail for Martina on the grounds that the accused's case had been heard at another Magistrate's Court here but she was given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal last year after the accused could not be traced by the police.

The magistrate then asked the accused where she is staying to which the accused replied “in Penampang”.

The accused said she never ran away and claimed that there was no one from the police looking for her.

The court asked the prosecution who was the investigating officer of the case and the prosecution said that it was one sergeant attached to Penampang police station.

The unrepresented accused was alleged to have disposed of the stolen items at a shop here at 4.30pm on April 16, 2018.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge under Section 414 of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to five years or a fine, upon conviction.

For this case, the magistrate fixed May 9 for her case management.

In another Magistrate's Court here, the accused, who claimed trial to a charge of stealing, was granted RM1,500 bail and with be the same sureties.

The accused, who was brought before magistrate Mohamad Aizat Abdul Rahim, had allegedly stolen five pieces of chocolate, two bags, a bottle of shampoo and a unit of toothbrush from a hypermarket in Inanam at 1.30pm on April 15, 2018.

The offence provides for a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine, upon conviction.

For this case, Martina was represented by counsel Farazwin Haxdy, who told the court that her client is unemployed and depending on her (the accused's) mother aged 61.

Martina's case will mentioned again on May 16 for case management.

Meanwhile, Martina's co-accused Humfrey Chai Hor Lip was jailed for two months plus RM500 fine, in default, two weeks' jail for committing a similar offence.

National Legal Aid Foundation counsel Rickellrazonio Lee Li Shiang, who represented Humfrey, asked for a noncustodial sentence since this was his client's first offence.

The counsel also submitted that before arrested Humfrey worked as mechanic and he is the aole breadwinner for his father aged 61 and one teenage sister.

When asked by court on why he stole the items, Humfrey said that it was only for his own use and told the court that he wanted a lenient sentence which would take effect from the date of his arrest.

However, the magistrate explained that for this offence, Humfrey could be jailed for up to 10 years.

In passing the sentences, the magistrate reminded Humfrey not to repeat a similar offence again.