SIBU: A 27-year-old man was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment by the Sessions Court here on Tuesday (Feb 24) for committing mischief by fire.
Judge Musyiri Peet convicted Boniface Manat from Saratok of the offence after accepting his guilty plea.
The charge against Boniface stated that he committed mischief by fire, knowing it was likely that he would cause damage to property, clothing and a luggage bag belonging to Adrick Xavier Sylvester and Maxifirra Sumbang at the lawn area of a house at Langsat Lane 4 at about 2 am on Feb 9.
The offence framed under Section 435 of the Penal Code provides for an imprisonment of up to 14 years’ jail as well as liable to a fine, upon conviction.
The court heard that Adrick was in his rented room when his neighbour upstairs, Boniface, challenged him to a fight, allegedly after an argument during a drinking session earlier.
Despite refusing, he was forced out of the room but thereafter punched Boniface in the face.
Boniface left but returned soon after and burned Adrick’s belongings including a laptop and personal documents such as birth certificate and academic certificates.
Subsequently, Adrick lodged a police report.
