A fried chicken vendor pleaded guilty to stealing seven packets of instant coffee from a 24-hour convenience store in Taman Cheng Indah, Melaka.
He made the plea at the Ayer Keroh Magistrate’s Court today before magistrate Sharda Shienha Mohd Suleiman, reported Harian Metro.
Charge sheet
Nazarudin Ahmad was accused of stealing a total of seven packets of Nescafe coffee worth a total of RM105.70 from the convenience store on July 7 at 8.21pm.
He was charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine.
As for attempted offences under the same act, the sentence cannot exceed half that term.
Had little money for necessities
Earlier, Nazarudin’s lawyer from the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK) appealed that his client be placed under under a Compulsory Attendance Order (CAO) in accordance with the Compulsory Attendance of Offenders Act 1954 (Act 461).
He added Nazarudin earns about RM1,800 a month selling fried chicken and is the sole breadwinner for his wife and four children.
“My client stole the instant coffee as he did not have enough money to buy his family’s monthly household necessities. He admits his wrongdoing and promises not to repeat the offence,” he added.
However, Deputy Public Prosecutor S. Thivia argued that instant coffee “is a want, not a need” and urged the court to impose a sentence that would serve as both punishment and deterrence.
Nazarudin was ordered to be jailed for a day, effective from the date of his conviction, and pay a RM2,000 fine.
If he fails to pay, he will sit another five months in prison.
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