Magistrate Nur Eleana binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Hairol Arni yesterday ordered a 26-year-old local man to settle a BND2,500 fine after pleading guilty to attempted theft and theft from a supermarket in Kampong Mumong, Belait District on multiple occasions between November 8 and 11.
Muhammad Rezqullah bin Omar, would have to serve 10 weeks’ jail in default of payment of the fine.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Ahmad Firdaus bin Mohammad revealed the details of the case, describing a series of incidents in which the defendant attempted to steal and stole various items, including canned drinks and sausages, from the supermarket during several visits.
The defendant attempted to leave the store with an unpaid can of drink around 6pm on November 8.
He reacted aggressively when confronted by a shopkeeper, causing alarm among other customers before leaving the item and exiting the store.
He returned the same day at 8.30pm, making away with a package of sausages.
Over the next few days, he reportedly repeated similar actions. Despite being confronted each time by store employees, the defendant managed to flee with the stolen goods.
Supermarket staff recognised the defendant and monitored him closely on November 11. After seeing him take items, they insisted he pay for them.
The defendant initially refused but ultimately returned the items. Police on arrival detained him at the scene. Police investigations, which included CCTV footage, confirmed the thefts, with video evidence capturing an altercation between the defendant and a store employee on November 8.
During questioning, the defendant admitted to the thefts, citing personal consumption as his motive. – Fadley Faisal
