By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Aug 6: Two repeat offenders were each sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment and three strokes of the cane by the Sessions Court here after they were convicted of carrying out an armed robbery on a pedestrian in Saradise last year.
Judge Iris Awen Jon handed down the sentence after finding that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt against the two men, aged 29 and 31, following the conclusion of the defence case.
The duo were charged under Section 395 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 397, for committing gang robbery while armed with a knife.
The court heard that at about 3.30am on Jan 17, 2025, the 33-year-old victim was walking towards a nearby eatery after arriving at a commercial premises in Saradise when he was approached by two men on a motorcycle.
The motorcycle stopped in front of the victim, after which both men allegedly brandished a knife and snatched his bag containing RM1,500 in cash and other personal belongings.
Shaken by the incident, the victim later lodged a police report, leading to investigations that resulted in the arrest of both men on Jan 25, 2025.
During the trial, the prosecution and defence each called three witnesses to testify.
The court was also informed that one of the men had three previous convictions involving theft and drug-related offences, while the other had four prior convictions related to robbery and drug offences.
Police investigations revealed that the pair had admitted to planning the robbery to obtain money to settle outstanding debts, purchase motorcycle accessories and cover personal expenses.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Chuah Kai Sheng appeared for the prosecution, while both men conducted their own defence without legal representation. — DayakDaily
