GEORGE TOWN: A jobless man was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment and three strokes of the cane after pleading guilty to robbing and injuring a watch shop owner.
Ng Peng Kim, 43, admitted to the charge when it was read to him before Sessions Court Judge Irwan Suainbon on Monday (Sept 28).
According to the charge sheet, Ng committed the offense at the Ban Hin Seng Watch Enterprise premises along Jalan Anson at approximately 4.38pm on Sept 21.
He was charged under Section 394 of the Penal Code for committing robbery and voluntarily causing hurt, an offense that carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, alongside a fine or caning upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Lee Jun Keong prosecuted, while the accused was unrepresented.
During proceedings, Lee urged the court to hand down a deterrent custodial sentence given the severity of the offense and the physical harm inflicted on the victim.
"The victim suffered injuries as a result of the accused's actions, which threatened the victim's safety and life. A heavier sentence is necessary to serve as a lesson to the accused and a deterrent to society," Lee argued.
According to the facts of the case, Ng had entered the watch shop armed with an axe. A struggle ensued during the robbery attempt, resulting in the 59-year-old shop owner, Ong Soon Jin, sustaining an injury to his right hand.
Judge Irwan ordered Ng to serve his seven-year prison sentence starting from the day of his arrest on Monday (Sept 28) and mandated three strokes of the cane. The court also ordered all case exhibits to be handed over to the prosecution for disposal.
