Intermediate Court Judge Pengiran Masni Pengiran Haji Bahar on Monday sentenced a 34-year-old local man to four years and 11 months imprisonment, and a BND1,000 fine for a series of offences, including house trespass, cheating, and road traffic violations.
Abdul Razaini Zikri bin Ampuan Abdul Rahman would have to serve an additional month’s jail in default of payment of the fine.
Initially denying the charges, he had a change of heart and pleaded guilty to house trespass, cheating, using false license plates, and driving without a license. The court was informed that the defendant had prior convictions, including theft and cheating.
On August 10, Ampuan Abdul Razaini trespassed into his aunt’s house in Kampong Sungai Buloh after taking her house key without permission. Once inside, he took two sets of car keys and a pair of sports shoes. It was discovered by the victim’s brother, who reported the matter to the police.
Subsequently, Ampuan Abdul Razaini took a grey Suzuki Ignis, replaced its license plate with one from a car parked in Gadong, and used the car to drive around various locations, including Jerudong and Kuala Belait.
Prosecutor Nurul Husna Aqilah Hj Abidin presented the facts of the case, stating that the defendant had gone to a petrol station, where he cheated the attendant by falsely claiming that another customer would pay for his fuel. Additionally, investigations revealed that Ampuan Abdul Razaini had never held a valid driving license.
Upon his arrest on August 11, at a homestay in Beribi, police recovered the car keys and shoes.
The defendant, who had a history of theft and cheating, urged the court for leniency but was ultimately sentenced based on the severity of his repeated offences. – FADLEY FAISAL
