Unemployed man in Kuching jailed 7 years for robbery, fined for outraging modesty

KUCHING (Aug 7): An unemployed man from Negeri Sembilan was sentenced to seven years in jail and five strokes of the cane by the Sessions Court here today for robbing a 21-year-old woman.

Judge Musli Ab Hamid meted out the sentence against Michael Tamilchelvan, 39, after he pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 392 of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term for up to 14 years and a fine or whipping.

Michael committed the offence at a convenience shop in MJC, Batu Kawa here at around 8.30pm on July 20, 2024.

Based on the facts of the case, the victim was waiting for a friend at the convenience shop when she was suddenly approached from behind by Michael.

He covered her face with a t-shirt and stole her smartphone before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.

The victim attempted to chase after the suspect to record the motorcycle’s licence plate number but was unsuccessful. The total value of the stolen property was estimated to be RM3,000.

A police report was lodged and Michael was arrested on July 27.

During investigation, the victim and a witness were able to identify Michael by his physical figure, in addition to closed-circuit television footage capturing the incident.

Meanwhile, Michael was fined RM2,500 in default four months’ jail by the Magistrates’ Court here for outraging the modesty of a 24-year-old student.

Magistrate Zubaidah Sharkawi imposed the fine on Michael after he pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term up to 10 years, a fine, whippings, or any two of the punishment upon conviction.

He committed the offence at a bus stop in front of an apartment in MJC, Batu Kawa here at around 7.30am on July 11, 2024.

Based on the facts of the case, Michael rode his motorcycle slowly towards the victim, passing by her three times at a close distance. He stared, smiled, and stuck out his tongue at her.

On the third pass, he touched her right arm and breast. The victim screamed, causing Michael to speed away.

The cases were prosecuted separately by deputy public prosecutor Norshafatihah Nor Azmi and Insp Merylene Lindan Andrew Mang while Michael was unrepresented by legal counsel.