KUCHING: A man was released on a two-year good behaviour bond by the Sessions Court here today on charges of possessing a machete in a public place last May 13 without lawful intent.
Judge Dayang Ellyn Narisa Abang Ahmad imposed a bail of RM8,000 with two local sureties after accused Andy James, 32, pleaded guilty to a charge read before him.
The offence was allegedly committed in front of a 24-hour convenience store in Kuching Sentral around 3.40pm, on May 13.
The accused was charged under Section 6 (1) of the Corrosive Substances and Dangerous Weapons Explosion Act 1958.
The section provides for imprisonment of not less than five years and not exceeding 10 years and whipping, if convicted.
During the mention of the case, the accused admitted that he possessed the machete for the purpose of personal safety and that of his family because there were individuals who wanted to threaten his family.
The accused also applied for a lighter sentence as it was his first offence.
The prosecution of the case was handled by public prosecuting officer Tan Chuan Yi while the accused was not represented.
