Magistrate Hajah Normazdina binti Haji Md Maskub on Saturday sentenced Zool Amali bin Mahari, 41, a local, to 12 months in jail after he pleaded guilty to theft charges.
The theft occurred on July 1 at 12.30am in a tent located at Jalan Pengasing, Kampong Sengkarai, Tutong, used as a dwelling for construction workers. The stolen items included a wallet containing BND91 cash and two Brunei-issued identification cards belonging to a foreign worker. The wallet was taken from beside the victim’s mattress while he was sleeping.
The Magistrate emphasised the importance of the sentence in protecting the public interest and serving as a deterrent. Key aggravating factors considered in the sentencing included the defendant’s planning, evidenced by his 15-minute walk to the tent, the use of stolen money for personal purposes, including BND30 for drugs, the inconvenience caused to the victim, and the defendant’s recent release from prison, indicating a lack of remorse.
Prosecutor Nazurah Amani Abidin revealed that on the night of the theft, the victim discovered his wallet missing around 3.00am after placing it beside his mattress before sleep. Despite efforts to search for the wallet, it could not be found, leading to a police report being filed.
Police investigations led to Zool Amali’s arrest on July 9. The defendant admitted to stealing the wallet and using the cash for personal expenses, including buying drugs. The stolen wallet and identification cards were not recovered. – FADLEY FAISAL
