19-05-2025
Brunei man jailed for using his own children in theft spree
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): A 41-year-old father was recently sentenced to four months in jail after he admitted to a string of thefts involving handheld fans and jewellery, using his children to carry out the crimes at a hardware store's branches in the capital.
Magistrate Syaffina Shahif handed down the sentence to Mohammad Ali Redzuan bin Mohammad Ali Yusri after he pleaded guilty to four counts of theft under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to seven years' imprisonment and a fine.
The court heard that between May 5 and 6, the unemployed defendant visited the store's outlets at Times Square and Mid Valley Shopping Centre multiple times with three of his four children, aged between 10 and 12.
He directed them to help him steal handheld fans and jewelry, concealing items in bags and pockets before walking out without paying.
According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Hajah Siti Mu'izzah binti Haji Sabli, CCTV footage and staff observations led to the defendant's arrest on May 10 after he was spotted reentering the Times Square store.
The court was told that the stolen goods included several handheld fans, a necklace and earring set, and a bracelet. The defendant later gave some items as gifts to his daughter's teacher, while the rest were either found at his home or recovered from his son's friend.
The total value of the stolen goods was estimated at BND275.10, according to quotations provided by both stores.
The defendant also attempted to sell the fans via TikTok and Facebook, but was unsuccessful.
The prosecution informed the court that the defendant had no prior convictions.
In passing sentence, the court took into account the defendant's guilty plea and the recovery of the stolen items, but noted the aggravating factor of involving young children in the commission of the offences. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
