The Court of Appeal on Tuesday upheld the sentences of Awangku Haji Adey Nazli bin Pengiran Haji Ismail who was convicted for a number of violent offences and a charge of substance abuse.
Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong, sitting with Justices Conrad Seagroatt and Edward Timothy Starbuck Woolley examined the case circumstances where the appellant faced charges spanning from October 2021 to May 2022.
These charges included consuming methylamphetamine, assault with a metal pipe, multiple traffic violations, wounding with a sharp weapon and setting fire to a house. He pleaded guilty to the charges. Prosecutor Hajah Siti Mu’izzah binti Haji Sabli said the incidents revealed a dangerous pattern of behaviour, including a road rage confrontation and subsequent assault, as well as setting fire to his home following another confrontation.
The Court of Appeal described the appellant as a “danger to road users” and highlighted his history of drug abuse and violent tendencies. The appellant’s previous convictions, dating back to 2000, further underscored his disregard for the law.
The Court of Appeal upheld the sentences imposed by the lower court, which included two years’ imprisonment and two strokes of the cane for wounding with a sharp weapon, three years’ imprisonment and six strokes for arson, three years’ imprisonment for drug consumption, two months’ imprisonment for assault with a metal pipe, and fines totalling BND2,250 for various traffic offences, with additional imprisonment in default of payment.
Despite the appellant’s medical conditions and family circumstances, the court deemed the sentences appropriate and necessary for public protection. – Fadley Faisal
