MUAR: A 47-year-old man who pleaded guilty to a robbery charge told the Sessions Court here today that he committed the offence out of desperation, as one of his children had been admitted to the hospital.
Engkapi Anak Keai was sentenced to four years in jail and fined RM1,000, in default of one month's imprisonment, after pleading guilty to robbing a contract worker at a construction site in Sungai Mati, Tangkak, at about 2am on Oct 27.
"I did it because my second child was admitted to the hospital... I had no choice and was desperate.
"I tried borrowing money, but no one was willing to lend it to me.
"I regret my actions and appeal to the court to lessen my sentence."
According to the facts of the case, Engkapi went to the construction site looking for a job but was unsuccessful as there were no vacancies.
On the morning of the incident, Engkapi went back to the location and took a mobile phone belonging to a contract worker.
At the same time, the accused managed to sell the phone before the victim lodged a report at the Sungai Mati police station on the same day.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohammad Arif Marzuki prosecuted while Engkapi was unrepresented.
After reviewing and hearing the arguments and pleas from both sides, the court sentenced Engkapi to four years' jail, effective from the date of his arrest on Oct 27 along with a fine of RM1,000, in default of one month's jail.