SHAH ALAM: A water purifier company employee has been sentenced to eight months' jail for stealing the handbag of a woman who was nine months' pregnant, prompting the victim to give chase for about 50m.
Mohamad Amirul Shafiq Abdullah, 22, was also fined RM1,500, in default three months' jail, by Magistrate Farah Rosnan here on Friday (May 3).
The sentence was imposed after the accused pleaded guilty to stealing the handbag of the 37-year-old woman in a supermarket restroom in Section 23 here on Monday (April 29) night.
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The charge under Section 380 of the Penal Code carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment and a fine upon conviction.
Shah Alam Police chief ACP Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim confirmed in a statement that the victim, who had been hospitalised earlier, has been discharged.
Both mother and her unborn child are reported to be in stable condition.
Media reports previously highlighted the pregnant woman's determination as she pursued the thief who had taken her handbag from the toilet door.
Passers-by responded to her cries for help, leading to the suspect's arrest. – Bernama
