A 51-year-old local man, Wahid bin Mazid, was sentenced to 10 months’ jail on Tuesday after pleading guilty to a charge of mischief for damaging properties at the Paduka Seri Begawan Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque in Kampong Katimahar.
Magistrate Syarifah Nur Baqiyah binti Malai Shahran heard from Prosecutor Mohammad Syafie Habibuallah bin Edi Mirhan that on the night of September 8, Wahid had gone to the mosque, armed with a machete, seeking financial assistance.
After not being able to find anyone to assist him, Wahid became frustrated and proceeded to damage two sets of glass sliding doors leading to the prayer area, one glass door of the mini library, and multiple sliding windows.
The incident was reported by mosque personnel early the next morning, and CCTV footage identified Wahid as the culprit. Wahid admitted to his actions during the police investigation, citing anger and stress due to his financial difficulties as his motive. The total damage amounted to BND403.
Wahid, who is unemployed and has prior convictions for property offences, was arrested following the police investigation and the seizure of the machete used in the crime. – FADLEY FAISAL
