SIBU: A youth was sentenced to 12 months in prison and three strokes of the cane by the Magistrates’ Court here on Monday (Nov 9) after pleading guilty to house-breaking and theft at a cafe in Sibu Jaya.
Magistrate Romario Jonoi ordered the prison sentence for the accused, Alister Diana, 22, from Sg Bidut to take effect from the date of his conviction.
The court heard that the incident unfolded in the early hours of Nov 3.
At approximately 1.59am, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage captured a lone intruder forcing his way through the rear roller shutter door of Wan Li Cafe, located at Sibu Jaya Road.
The suspect then made off with a cash drawer containing an estimated RM200 from the payment counter.
The break-in was discovered later that morning around 3am, when the owner’s grandmother arrived to open the shop for business and noticed the damage.
Upon reviewing the security footage and alerting the owner, a police report was lodged at the Sibu Jaya police station.
Acting on intelligence, a police team led by Sgt Wasli Merikan arrested Alister the following day on Nov 4.
Authorities successfully recovered the stolen cash drawer along with clothing items worn by the suspect during the commission of the crime, which were later positively identified by the complainant.
Unrepresented by counsel, the accused pleaded for leniency before the bench prior to sentencing.
However, given the gravity of the offence under Section 457 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of up to 14 years imprisonment and liability for fine or whipping, the court handed down the custodial and corporal punishment.
