By Nour Maghfirah –
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, SEPT 9 – Magistrate Syaffina binti Shahif yesterday sentenced Hamidon bin Haji Mustapa, 54, to two years and six months in prison after he pleaded guilty to stealing chocolate from a local shop, taking into account his long criminal record as the main factor in the sentencing decision. .
The court heard a statement from Prosecuting Officer Atikah Husaini that Hamidon and an accomplice who is still at large committed theft at a shop in Kiarong on 11 August.
The theft involved seven chocolate bars, which were taken from the store without payment.
The prosecution further revealed that the incident came to light when the store’s sales records did not match its stock inventory.
After examining CCTV footage, the shop owner found Hamidon and his accomplices stole the goods.
A police report was made, leading to Hamidon’s arrest. In the investigation, Hamidon admitted to being involved in theft and selling stolen chocolate in Kiulap.
The prosecution further revealed that Hamidon has a long history of property crimes, with convictions dating back to 1986, including a recent offense in 2020.
As a result, the court imposed a higher sentence, emphasizing the need to teach a lesson in light of his repeated offences.
His accomplice is still at large and the stolen goods have not been found.
