KUCHING: A local man was sentenced to one day in prison and fined RM500 by the Magistrate’s Court here today after pleading guilty to stealing a flashlight worth RM34.25 from a leading supermarket at Jalan Penrissen.
The accused, Alan, 28, from Sibu, pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 380 of the Penal Code, before Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Alwi.
According to the charge, he was accused of stealing an Energizer brand flashlight from a prominent supermarket at Jalan Penrissen at around 3 pm on June 13.
If convicted, he could face imprisonment of up to ten years and be liable for a fine. For subsequent offences, caning may be imposed.
Syarifah Fatimah imposed a two-week prison sentence if the accused failed to pay the fine.
According to the facts of the case, during the incident, the complainant, who was a security guard on duty, heard an alarm sound indicating an unpaid item.
The complainant then conducted an examination and found the accused in possession of an unpaid flashlight.
Subsequently, the complainant handed the accused over to the police, with an estimated loss of around RM34.25.
Investigations revealed that the accused intended to steal the flashlight in question.
It is understood that he concealed the flashlight in his jacket and then went to the payment counter, only paying for a packet of instant noodles that he took.
The prosecution was conducted by Inspector Merylene Lindan Andrew Mang, while the accused was unrepresented by a counsel.
