Kota Kinabalu: A 40-year-old man was sentenced to eight months in prison and one stroke of the cane by the Magistrate’s Court here on Tuesday for committing criminal breach of trust involving RM2,000 three years ago.
Paironi Belasius pleaded guilty before Magistrate Marilyn Kelvin to dishonestly converting money belonging to Athanasius Anthonius for his own use at Sutera Avenue, Karamunsing, between 12.14pm and 3.49pm on Aug 6, 2022.
The offence, under Section 403 of the Penal Code, carries a jail term of between six months and five years, whipping, and a fine, on conviction.
According to the facts presented by the prosecution, Athanasius’s mother was approached at her home in Tambunan by Paironi, who introduced himself and offered to sell iron and zinc sheets at a cheap price.
She later passed his contact to her son, who contacted Paironi and agreed to purchase the items.
Athanasius made staggered payments totalling RM2,000 into Paironi’s bank account. However, the goods were never delivered, and Paironi subsequently blocked all communication. Realising he had been cheated, Athanasius lodged a police report.
An investigation by the Tawau Commercial Crime Investigation Department led to Paironi’s arrest.
Meanwhile, in a separate case, a man was fined RM1,800 or jailed three months for causing hurt to another man at a bistro.
Nazrul Azlan pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing hurt to Md Hilmy Saili at Kuta Bistro, Waterfront, at 12.30am on February 22.
The charge, framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum penalty of one year’s jail, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both.
According to the prosecution, Hilmy had gone drinking with two friends when he was suddenly surrounded by several bistro workers, including Nazrul. Nazrul pulled him from behind and punched him in the right eye.
Hilmy, who was intoxicated at the time, did not feel immediate pain but developed swelling, bruising, and a cut above his eye two days later, prompting him to seek medical treatment and file a police report.
Inspector Yusdi Basri prosecuted.
