JELEBU: A 41-year-old man who allegedly broke into a house but passed out before he could escape with his loot has claimed trial to a charge of house trespass.
Odd-job worker Raman Balakrishnan pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him before magistrate Norshazwani Ishak here on Thursday (Jan 26).
He was charged with committing the offence at a house belonging to one Sin Kong Men in Taman Tanjung in Bahau at around 6.30am on Monday (Jan 23).
The accused was charged under Section 448 of the Penal Code for house trespass which carries a jail term of up to three years or a fine up to RM5,000, or both, upon conviction.
ALSO READ: Boozed-up burglar found passed out by homeowner
Deputy public prosecutor Ahmad Loqman Hakim Ahmad Khairie told the court that the prosecution was not offering bail.
He said the accused had numerous criminal and narcotic offences on his record and had also been convicted.
"He is also a flight risk," he added.
The accused, who was unrepresented, appealed for bail as he had to look after his mother.
"I have an older sister and brother but they live elsewhere. I hope the court can grant bail as I need to take my mother for her hospital appointments," he said.
Raman also asked for low bail, claiming that he only earned about RM1,000 a month.
Norshazwani then set bail at RM16,000 with two sureties.
She also ordered the accused to report to the nearest police station on the 1st of every month.
Next mention of the case was set at the Bahau Magistrate's Court on Feb 22.
Police arrested the accused after he was found asleep by the 65-year-old house owner.
Police said the accused was also intoxicated as he apparently consumed alcohol after allegedly breaking into the house.
A urine test came back positive for methamphetamine abuse, they added.
The accused was believed to have entered the single-storey home through its unlocked back door.
A paper bag containing two knives, a screwdriver, two liquor bottles and a tablet was found next to the suspect.
The owner's wife and four children were also home at the time.
