By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Nov 8: The Magistrate’s Court here today imposed a fine of RM4,000 or six months in prison on a man for vandalising his ex-girlfriend’s car after a breakup.
Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali handed down the sentence on Austin Morris, 30, from Kampung Seratau, Batu 15, after he pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 427 of the Penal Code.
The section carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to five years, or a fine, or both upon conviction.
Austin was charged with committing the offence near a traffic light near Taman Sahabat, Jalan Song, at around 12.30pm on October 30, 2023.
Based on the facts of the case, the 29-year-old victim was inside her car at the traffic light when Austin approached her and smashed her car window with a hammer.
Austin also attempted to grab his ex-girlfriend’s hair and take her car keys but failed.
Following the incident, he suffered slight injuries to his right hand due to the shattered car window.
The victim subsequently made a police report that led to Austin’s arrest on November 3, 2023.
Investigations found that the victim and Austin had known each other for 12 years but had recently broken up.
Despite their breakup, Austin had been harassing his ex-girlfriend and couldn’t accept that she did not want to continue their relationship.
On the day of the incident, the victim realised Austin was following her and tried to stop her car near CityOne Megamall, which led to the confrontation at the traffic light near Taman Sahabat.
Austin was also under the influence of alcohol during the incident.
The prosecution was conducted by Inspector Ammarsofi Yusoff, while Austin was not represented by a defense attorney. — DayakDaily
