4 days ago
Mechanic gets seven years, 5 strokes for smartphone robbery in Kuching
Md Khairul is led from the courtroom after the proceedings. – Photo by Kentigern Minggu
KUCHING (June 6): A mechanic was sentenced by the Sessions Court here today to seven years in prison and five strokes of the cane for robbing a man of his smartphone.
Md Khairul Rosli, 32, pleaded guilty before Judge Musli Ab Hamid to a charge under Section 392 of the Penal Code, which provides for imprisonment of up to 14 years, and a fine or whipping, upon conviction.
He committed the offence by the roadside near Lorong Semariang Batu 12, Kampung Semariang Pinggir here at about 12.04am on May 29, 2025.
According to the facts of the case, the victim and a friend had arranged to meet a man, later identified as Md Khairul, for the purpose of selling a used mobile phone.
At the scene, the victim was coerced into surrendering not only the phone intended for sale but also his personal mobile phone.
The victim believed that the accused had pressed a sharp object against his lower back to threaten him into handing over the items.
A police report was subsequently lodged, leading to the arrest of the accused the next day.
Investigations revealed that the accused had committed the robbery without the use of a weapon.
Although the victim initially believed a sharp object was pressed against his back, it was later determined that the accused had used his finger to simulate the threat.
An identification line-up was conducted and the victim positively identified the accused.
The victim also identified the stolen phone, which was recovered and accessible using the correct password.
He further recognised a blue jacket worn by the accused when executing the crime.
Eyewitness testimony corroborated the victim's account and confirmed the accused's identity.
The witness also identified the clothing worn by the accused, which matched the items seized during the investigation.
Prosecuting was Deputy Public Prosecutor Aiman Mutallib Mohamad Shariff, while Md Khairul did not have legal representation. jail mechanic robbery smartphone steal
