BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): Brunei Magistrate Syaffina Shahif has handed a four-month jail sentence to a 40-year-old Malaysian man after he pleaded guilty to charges of criminal trespass and assault involving a machete.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Abdul Musawwir Mahli presented the case details, revealing that Jonathon Layang Anak Mambang @ Muhammad Hazafiq Abdullah, and three accomplices ventured into the vicinity of a building at Jalan Kilanas Mulaut, Kampong Kilanas on November 2.
The group, reportedly under the impression that the property was abandoned, entered with the intent of scavenging items, committing criminal trespass on the premises.
A worker stationed to guard the building was alerted by sounds at the entrance around 4.30am and discovered the individuals acting suspiciously. The guard, suspecting theft, contacted the property owner, before approaching Jonathon and the others.
During the confrontation, Jonathon retrieved a machete and brandished it towards the guard to aid in their escape.
The DPP recounted how the property owner pursued the group, attempting to intercept them. The pursuit culminated at a filling station in Kampong Bebatik Kilanas, where Jonathon and another individual confronted the property owner, who, fearing for his safety, attempted but failed to drive them off.
The property owner managed to intercept one accomplice in Kampong Bengkurong, where they agreed to report to the police.
The police investigations led to Jonathon’s arrest, during which he confessed to entering the property. Although the black luggage bag was recovered, the machete used in the assault remains missing.
Jonathon has a history of previous convictions.
Magistrate Syaffina imposed the sentence on Jonathon, highlighting the severity of his actions and the resulting distress caused to the property owner and guard. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
