Kota Kinabalu: A 37-year-old man who threatened to murder his wife was jailed eight months by the Magistrate’s Court here.
Jerry Baru pleaded guilty before Magistrate Marilyn Kelvin to committing the offence against Hartini Ishak, 43, by threatening to cause death to her on Aug 18 at 7.30pm at the Tenom Quarry workers quarters, Kg Nambazan, Penampang.
The prosecution informed the court that the complainant was at home on the said day when Jerry came home drunk, scolded her and attempted to hit her.
Traumatised by Jerry’s action, who frequently rages and destroys properties in the house when under the influence of alcohol, the complainant, along with their two children, left the house and sought refuge in a neighbour’s home.
Jerry arrived and kicked the neighbour’s door, causing the complainant and the children to flee.
Jerry was seen chasing them while brandishing a knife, the court heard.
Further police investigation revealed that Jerry’s actions caused the complainant to become extremely anxious and frightened.
The complainant, assisted by the public, lodged a police station.
Duty counsel Carmen Khoo, representing Jerry, requested a lenient sentence.
Jerry was charged under Section 506 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to seven years or fine or both, on conviction.
The court ordered Jerry to serve the sentence from the date of his arrest.
Meanwhile, a 36-year-old man was charged with committing similar offence against his 31-year-old wife.
Asiri Hamzali pleaded not guilty to criminally intimidating Anita Asbi Adjibul by threatening to cause death to her on Aug 16 at 1am, in a house at Kg Nosoob, Penampang.
The court set Oct 3 for pre-trial case management and released Asiri on a bail of RM2,000 in two sureties.
Inspector Suzie S.K. prosecuted.
