KUCHING: A 42-year-old security guard was sentenced to two days’ imprisonment and fined RM700 by the Magistrates’ Court here today for stealing 66 packs of instant beverages from a supermarket last month.
Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali meted out the sentence on Kamarul Azmir Morshidi after he pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a possible fine upon conviction.
He was also ordered to serve one week in jail in default of payment.
According to the charge, Kamarul committed the offence at about 7.30 pm on March 27 at a supermarket near Jalan Penrissen, where he stole 29 packs of Horlicks (900g), 12 packs of Coffeemate (200g), and 25 packs of Milo (1.8kg).
Facts of the case revealed that the complainant discovered several items missing during a routine inspection.
A review of the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed the accused taking the items without making any payment. The total estimated loss was RM1,980, prompting the complainant to lodge a police report.
Police arrested Kamarul on March 31 following the report. Among the items seized were a white Toyota Innova, a car key, clothing believed to have been worn during the incident, a pair of black shoes, as well as several tins and packets of dairy and beverage products.
An identification parade was conducted, during which the complainant positively identified the accused as the individual seen in the CCTV footage.
During mitigation, Kamarul, who was unrepresented, told the court that he was under financial strain and claimed his vehicle was in the possession of loan sharks due to outstanding payments.
He also said he had lodged a police report after allegedly being threatened.
He further informed the court that he suffered leg injuries from a past accident, which affected his ability to secure stable employment.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Afiq Safly Nor Kazly prosecuted the case.
