The Magistrate’s Court yesterday sentenced a 57-year-old local man to 38 months’ imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to five charges of mischief causing damage to vehicles, including a police vehicle. The charges against Hamzah bin Haji Md Noor under Sections 426 and 427 of the Penal Code, involved damages totalling over BND5,600.
The defendant’s long history of similar offences and his blatant disregard for law enforcement were cited as aggravating factors by Magistrate Nur Eleana binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Hairol Arni.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Abdul Musawwir bin Haji Mahli revealed that on June 1, the defendant went on a rampage outside a residence, damaging several vehicles by throwing bricks, concrete fragments and a metal cover. He later damaged a police vehicle when officers arrived at the scene and fled into a nearby forest before being apprehended. The defendant admitted his actions were fuelled by anger and substance abuse.
Hamzah initially denied the charges against him, claiming trial for seven of the eight counts he faced. However, on the eve of the trial, he made representations to the prosecution, which were accepted, leading him to change his plea. He eventually pleaded guilty to five charges of mischief causing damage. The court then proceeded to sentence him based on his admissions and the aggravating circumstances of the offences.
In sentencing, the Magistrate highlighted the unprovoked nature of the attacks, the significant cost of repairs, the inconvenience to victims and the defendant’s defiance of law enforcement. She also noted his extensive criminal record, including previous convictions for property-related offences and an assault on a police officer in 2020.
The deputy public prosecutor submitted that a deterrent sentence was necessary, emphasising public interest and the need to safeguard law enforcement officers.
The court refrained from imposing whipping, considering the defendant’s age of over 50 years. – Fadley Faisal
