SIBU: A 25-year-old man was fined a total of RM7,000 by the Kapit Magistrate’s Court today (June 25) after he admitted to assaulting a fellow longhouse resident and damaging property during a heated dispute at a longhouse in Sungai Ibau last month.
Leander Tonny Nading pleaded guilty to two charges when they were read to him before Magistrate Romario Jonoi.
For the first charge, he admitted voluntarily causing hurt to Jambing Manja, 53, by strangling the victim and kicking his leg during an incident at Rumah Jambing Lepong, Sungai Ibau, at about 8:40 pm on May 30.
The offence, framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code, carries a penalty of up to one year’s imprisonment or a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, upon conviction.
For the second charge, Leander admitted committing mischief by damaging the complainant’s property, including the main door and three glass window panels, resulting in losses amounting to RM497.50.
The offence falls under Section 427 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to five years, a fine or both, upon conviction.
Following his guilty plea, the court imposed a fine of RM2,000 for the offence of causing hurt, in default three months’ imprisonment.
For the mischief charge, he was fined RM5,000, in default six months’ imprisonment.
According to the facts of the case, the incident occurred during a meeting concerning the distribution of financial assistance at the longhouse.
Investigations revealed that Leander became enraged over the allocation of aid and confronted the complainant.
The situation escalated when he allegedly acted aggressively, strangling and kicking the victim before venting his anger on the property.
The complainant sustained injuries, including bruises to his leg and neck, and later sought treatment at Kapit Hospital.
Medical records confirmed bruising on the victim’s knee and right hand.
Police investigations further established that the accused damaged the complainant’s main door and shattered three glass window panels during the disturbance.
The prosecution represented by Inspector Chang Kok Siong submitted that the evidence gathered during the investigation was sufficient to support charges under Sections 323 and 427 of the Penal Code.
The accused who has no legal representation, paid the fine.
