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BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Court of Appeal recently dismissed the appeal of Mohammad Faizul Helmey bin Ahmad Umar, confirming his 22-year prison sentence and 24 canings for multiple violent crimes, including armed robbery, outraging modesty, robbery, and theft.
The appeal presided over by Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong, flanked by Justices Conrad Seagroatt and Edward Timothy Starbuck Woolley was delivered on June 19.
Mohammad Faizul Helmey pleaded guilty to five charges in the Intermediate Court on December 30, 2022.
The charges included armed robbery, outraging modesty, robbery, and two counts of theft.
On October 18, 2021, in Bengkurong, he assaulted a woman after offering her directions.
He took out a knife, punched her, slapped her, and sexually assaulted her before stealing her car and handbag.
Two days later, on October 20, 2021, he robbed another woman of her gold bracelet and mobile phone after offering her a ride.
In November 2021, he stole licence plates from a Hyundai Atos and a Toyota Kijang, abandoning the latter after it broke down.
The appellant was arrested on November 30, 2021, following police investigations.
He had 17 prior convictions for robbery, house-breaking, theft, mischief, and drug consumption between 2007 and 2017.
Judge Pengiran Masni Pengiran Bahar imposed the 22-year sentence and 24 canings, referencing several precedent cases to justify the sentences for robbery, outraging modesty and theft.
The appellant, a 31-year-old sales assistant from Seria, argued that the sentence was excessive compared to other similar cases.
Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Chong conceded with the respondent, emphasising the appellant’s extensive criminal record and the violent nature of his recent offences, noting the significant risk to public safety. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
