Desperate mum jailed for stealing groceries freed after six days as High Court slashes sentence
Judge K. Muniandy made the decision after finding that the two-month jail sentence handed down to Lini Ahmat, 38, by the Magistrate's Court on April 21, was heavy compared to the offence committed.
'The accused also admitted that she stole out of desperation and the jail sentence that she had served for six days was sufficient, the accused was released today,' the judge said adding that the court used its jurisdiction to review the decision of the Magistrate's Court.
Before reducing the sentence, Judge Muniandy asked the accused several times if she was aware that stealing was an offence, as well as advising her to find a job to support herself.
The woman admitted her guilt and said she had repented and was waiting to work as a cook in the food court of a shopping mall after her release.
Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Izalina Abdullah said the sentence handed down to Lini was excessive according to the current sentencing development, where usually accused who have pleaded guilty will be sentenced to a fine or jail term for a week.
Lawyer Collin Andrew of the National Legal Aid Foundation, representing Lin, said his client had repented and regretted her actions and asked for a two-month jail sentence for the woman to be replaced with a period of imprisonment that had been served since April 19.
'The client has been in jail for six days since she was arrested on the day of the incident, April 19, the facts of the case show that most of the stolen items were food and basic necessities. There was no loss involved because all the goods that were seized had been returned to the supermarket,' said Andrew.
On April 21, Lini was charged with stealing 30 items including snacks, personal care products and daily necessities worth RM374.69 from a supermarket in Brickfields, near here.
The charge was filed under Section 380 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine, if convicted. — Bernama
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Suspect in police stabbing case to be charged tomorrow
KUALA LUMPUR: A 56-year-old man accused of stabbing a policeman during a crime prevention patrol at Pasar Pudu, Jalan Yew, will be charged tomorrow. He is scheduled to be charged at the Kuala Lumpur Court at 9am. Acting Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad said the man was arrested after the incident and found with a knife. "Also seized were three clear plastic packets containing powder and chunks believed to be drugs. "The case is being investigated under Sections 307/186 of the Penal Code for attempted murder with a weapon and obstructing a public servant from performing his duties," he said. The attack occurred when the injured policeman and four colleagues were inspecting the suspect.
![[Watch] Penang Burglar's Epic Fail: Casually Strolls Past Confronting Homeowner, Bolts At Back Door, Then Returns For Forgotten Loot](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.therakyatpost.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2FUntitled24.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[Watch] Penang Burglar's Epic Fail: Casually Strolls Past Confronting Homeowner, Bolts At Back Door, Then Returns For Forgotten Loot](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ftherakyatpost.com.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Rakyat Post
an hour ago
- Rakyat Post
[Watch] Penang Burglar's Epic Fail: Casually Strolls Past Confronting Homeowner, Bolts At Back Door, Then Returns For Forgotten Loot
Subscribe to our FREE A would-be burglar in Penang delivered a masterclass in criminal incompetence this week, first brazenly walking past a confronting homeowner like he owned the place, then sealing his own doom by returning to the crime scene for whatever he'd left behind. The suspect's audacious break-in at a Batu Maung residence started promisingly enough – slipping through the back door while the domestic helper was outside taking out trash. But when the homeowner spotted the intruder, what happened next was pure criminal comedy gold. According to Southwest District Police Chief ACP Sazalee Adam, the burglar didn't immediately panic when confronted. Instead, he had the sheer nerve to casually stroll toward the exit as the homeowner questioned his presence, maintaining his composure like some sort of discount Hollywood heist film character from It was only when he reached the back door that reality kicked in, and he suddenly bolted into the night. The whole surreal encounter was captured in a 25-second viral video showing the suspect nonchalantly descending the stairs while the homeowner – reportedly a TikTok influencer known as 'Choii' – demanded to know what he was doing in the house. From Burglar to Reluctant Entertainment But here's where criminal stupidity reached peak levels: instead of celebrating his narrow escape, our genius decided to double back for whatever treasure he'd forgotten in his hasty retreat. That's when the homeowner and friends were ready and waiting, turning the tables on the would-be thief and holding him until police patrol units from Zone 3 Batu Maung arrived. The defeated burglar even managed to give an impromptu 'interview' to the homeowner while sitting on their sofa, presumably while awaiting his police escort – because nothing caps off a failed heist quite like a casual chat with your victim. In what can only be described as the most bizarre criminal surrender ever, the suspect was also asked to show off some dance moves, which he obliged. The caught burglar even advised viewers not to follow his mistakes, delivering what might be the most authentic public service announcement ever recorded. The Chemical Explanation Drug screening revealed the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine, amphetamine, and benzodiazepine – a chemical cocktail that might explain both his initial Police records show previous drug-related offences, because naturally. The suspect faces charges under Section 448 of the Penal Code at the Balik Pulau Magistrate's Court today (5 August), carrying a maximum penalty of three years in prison or a fine of RM5,000 if convicted. In the hall of fame for 'boldest criminal moves that backfired spectacularly,' casually walking past your victim before panicking at the exit, then returning for seconds, has got to be a top contender. Sometimes, the best security system is simply a combination of criminal overconfidence and poor judgment calls. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Indonesian Woman Jailed for Prostitution in Sandakan
KOTA KINABALU: A 50-year-old Indonesian woman was sentenced to three years in prison by the Sandakan Sessions Court on Tuesday for acting as a prostitution agent. Lely Fiter pleaded guilty before Judge Zaini Fisher @ Fisal to charges under Section 372 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes exploiting others for prostitution. Her sentence began on the date of her arrest, and she will be deported after serving her term. Police raided Lely's rented apartment at Taman Mawar Apartment at 3:30 p.m. on July 29 following a tip-off. An officer, posing as a customer, paid RM150 for sexual services with a 26-year-old local woman. Officers intervened before any act occurred, arresting both women and seizing RM150 in cash (the payment), condoms, tissues, and a mobile phone as evidence. The local woman, Zuraini Mohd Zaini, who admitted to offering sexual services, was fined RM1,800 or, in default, three months' jail under Section 372B of the Penal Code by Magistrate Nur Faezah Jafry. She confessed to engaging in prostitution due to financial difficulties, stating that she received RM100 per transaction while Lely kept RM50 as commission. Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Azizi Hamil prosecuted Lely's case, while ASP Zamri Zakaria prosecuted the local woman's case.
