Fadley Faisal

A 27-year-old Malaysian man was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment and six strokes of the cane yesterday, after he pleaded guilty in the High Court to a series of notorious break-ins.

From January to August, Ferry Pengiran committed the offences on 17 instances when he broke into homes belonging to VIPs, embassies and diplomatic residences in the areas along Jalan Muara, Jalan Tanjung Bunut Kanan, Kampong Selayun Jerudong, Manggis 1, Jalan Muara Salambigar, Kampong Beribi, Kampong Selayun Sengkurong B, Jalan Tungku Link Pengkalan Gadong, Kampong Tanah Jambu, Jalan Muara, Tungku Link Highway, Simpang Seri Alam Jangsak, Jalan Kiarong, Jalan Lebuhraya Tungku Gadong and Jalan Tungku.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Hajah Atiyyah Azzahra bin Pehin Dato Haji Abas informed the court that the defendant stole items including car keys, jewellery, watches and cash.

Chief Justice Dato Seri Paduka Steven Chong in his judgment stated, “The dominant consideration must be to pass a deterrent sentence in the interest of protecting the public. A lenient sentence will not deter. A clear message must be sent to those who are likeminded that the consequences for committing such offences will be serious.

“On the admitted facts it is evident that the defendant is a serial burglar who came to Brunei Darussalam specifically to commit housebreaking. The offences were carefully planned and executed.”