JOHOR BARU: A jobless man’s actions of setting fire to a tow truck owned by the city council has led to him being sentenced to five years’ jail.
The Sessions Court also fined Wan Muhammad Nasrul Wan Ahmad RM6,000 after he pleaded guilty to the offence.
He told the court that he set fire to the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) tow truck because he had no money.
“I was angry after my car was towed and I had requested a reduction of the RM500 compound to RM250.
“Even if it was reduced to RM200, I still did not have the money to pay.
“I come from a poor background and have many financial commitments for my car, motorcycle and house. I am not married and had just begun looking for a job,” he told the court yesterday when pleading for leniency.
Wan Muhammad Nasrul, 31, admitted to committing mischief by using petrol with the intent to cause destruction by setting fire to the MBJB tow truck at the MBJB vehicle storage depot at Lot 1, Johor Baru Waterfront, at 11.07am on Aug 15, resulting in losses of RM24,000.
When pleading for leniency, he said that his car was towed the night before the incident and he was told to file an appeal.
“I wanted to meet the mayor but he was not available.
“I waited over the night as I only wanted my car back – that was why I got so angry,” he said.
Deputy public prosecutor Siti Fatimah Mamu sought a deterrent sentence, saying that the accused committed a serious crime.
She said although the accused claimed he was angry and could not afford to pay the compound, setting fire to a tow truck in a public area endangered not only other property but also members of the public and MBJB staff at the vehicle storage depot.
“As stated by the accused, MBJB had already exercised discretion by reducing the compound, yet he still committed this serious crime.
“The prosecution urges the court to consider public interest over the accused’s personal circumstances,” she said.
Sessions judge Thalha Bachok @ Embok Mok then sentenced Wan Muhammad Nasrul.
