By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Dec 10: A minor argument over a cigarette escalated into violence when a man assaulted his older brother, resulting in a 12-month jail sentence handed down by the Magistrates’ Court today.
The accused, Suhellsa, 27, pleaded guilty to two charges of physical assault and criminal intimidation before Magistrate Mason Jaro Lenya Barayan.
The court was told that the incident took place at their home in Kampung Kolong 2 at about 9am on December 5, when the victim refused to give his younger brother a cigarette. The refusal triggered an outburst, during which the accused punched the 31-year-old victim on the head and issued threats intended to cause fear.
Investigations revealed that the accused not only struck the victim multiple times but also warned him against reporting the incident, threatening further harm if he did.
Magistrate Mason Jaro imposed 12 months’ imprisonment for each charge, with the sentences ordered to run concurrently, meaning the accused will serve a total of one year in jail.
The victim lodged a police report shortly after the assault, fearing for his safety.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Aidil Akmal Sharidan prosecuted the case, while the accused was unrepresented. — DayakDaily
