KUCHING, June 14: Three men were each sentenced to six months in jail by the Magistrate’s Court today for stealing two decorative brass cannons belonging to a prominent hotel in the city.
Chin Jin Yih, 34, Wan Osman Yamani Wan Adruce, 36, and Hilton Jovi Harryson Lily, 28, all pleaded guilty to the charges under Section 379 of the Penal Code read together with Section 34 of the same code.
According to the charge, they jointly stole two decorative brass cannons from a hotel on Jalan Persiaran Ban Hock around 2.25am on June 5.
If convicted, they could face up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.
Magistrate Zubaidah Sharkawi ordered that the sentences for all three accused be effective immediately.
According to the case facts, at the time of the incident, the complainant, who was on duty as a security guard, heard noises outside the hotel and went to investigate.
Upon inspection, he found that two decorative brass cannons outside the hotel’s main glass entrance had been cut from their stands and were missing.
Further checks revealed no individuals in the vicinity, prompting the complainant to inform the hotel front desk staff to contact the police.
A police report was filed for further action and investigation, which ultimately led to the arrest of the three defendants at separate locations.
Evidence seized included the two brass cannons, which were hidden in a bush, and a sedan car.
Investigations revealed that the three defendants had stolen the items, based on CCTV footage clearly showing their actions.
The case was prosecuted by Prosecuting Officer ASP Arman Ibrahim, while all defendants were unrepresented by legal counsel. — DayakDaily
