By Nour Maghfirah –
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, NOV 20 – The Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday sentenced a 57-year-old local man to 38 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to five charges of causing damage to vehicles, including a police vehicle.
The charges against Hamzah bin Haji Md Noor are in accordance with Sections 426 and 427 of the Penal Code, involving damages amounting to more than $5,600. The defendant’s past history of similar offenses and blatant disregard for law enforcement were cited as aggravating factors by Magistrate Nur Eleana binti Dato Seri Paduka Haji Hairol Arni.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Abdul Musawwir bin Haji Mahli revealed that on June 1, the defendant went on a rampage outside the residence, damaging several vehicles by throwing bricks, concrete fragments and metal covers.
He then damaged a police vehicle when officers arrived at the scene and fled into nearby woods before being arrested. The defendant admitted that his actions were motivated by anger and drug abuse.
Hamzah initially denied the charges against him, asking to be tried on seven of the eight charges he faced.
However, ahead of the trial, he made representations to the prosecution, which were accepted, causing him to change his plea.
He eventually pleaded guilty to five charges of assault causing damage, including one charge under Section 426 and four charges under Section 427 of the Penal Code. The court then sentenced him based on his confession and aggravating circumstances.
In sentencing, the magistrate emphasized the unprovoked nature of the attack, the substantial cost of repairs, the inconvenience caused to the victim, and the defendant’s defiance of law enforcement. He also noted his extensive criminal record, including previous convictions for property-related offenses and assaulting a police officer in 2020.
The Deputy Public Prosecutor argued that deterrent punishment should be implemented, emphasizing the public interest and the need to protect law enforcement officers.
The court refrained from imposing lashes, considering that the defendant was over 50 years old.