ALOR GAJAH: A 28-year-old unemployed man who went on a two-day crime spree targeting three mosques was sentenced by the Magistrate's Court here to 10 months' imprisonment and fined RM1,400.
The accused Muhammad Riduan Abdullah pleaded guilty before Magistrate Dr Teoh Shu Yee to one count of criminal mischief and two counts of theft when the charges were read to him on Friday (June 26).
The first charge stated that he committed criminal mischief by damaging the kitchen sliding door of Masjid Al-Najihin in Kampung Padang Sebang here using a ladder at about 5.30am on June 7.
He was charged under Section 427 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of between one and five years, or a fine, or both.
The second charge stated that the accused stole cash from a donation box containing funds collected for the purchase of a funeral van at Masjid Al-Qaniteen in Tanjung Rimau here at about 5pm on June 7.
The accused was also charged with stealing a woman's handbag from the women's prayer area of Masjid Ar-Rasyidin in Kampung Jelatang here at about 4.45pm on June 8, causing losses estimated at RM2,200.
Both theft charges were framed under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine.
Repeat offenders are also liable to whipping.
The accused was represented by a lawyer from the National Legal Aid Foundation.
In passing sentence, the court took into consideration that the offences were committed within mosque compounds, places where the congregation gathers to perform prayers, seek solace and should be able to feel safe.
The court also ordered an additional two months' jail if the accused failed to settle the fine.
At press time, the accused has yet to pay the fine.
