Kota Kinabalu: A 26-year-old man, who was charged in the Magistrate’s Court for the fourth time for having gambling paraphernalia, was fined RM5,000 or three month’s jail, Friday.
Lay Chee Hau pleaded guilty before Magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie to having five pieces of lottery tickets without a licence at 4.45pm on Sept 24, 2022 in Donggongon, Penampang.
The court was informed by the prosecution that Lay was arrested by police who seized a handphone, a mobile printer and RM77 from Lay.
The offence under Section 9(1) of the Common Gaming House Act provides for a fine of up to RM5,000 or up to six months jail or both, on conviction.
Pleading for leniency, Lay admitted that it was his fourth time committing the offence and claimed that he had quit working at the said place. Lay paid the fine.
Meanwhile, another 26-year-old man was fined RM2,000 or two months jail for committing similar offence.
Haley Tay pleaded guilty before Magistrate Jessica Ombou Kakayun to having two lottery tickets without a licence at an open space in front of a coffee shop, in Donggongon.
The court heard from the prosecution that Tay was arrested by police during Ops Dadu. Duty counsel Lim Ming Zoong @ Lawrence requested a lower fine as Tay was unemployed and taking care of his ageing parents.
In another court, an 18-year-old woman, who pleaded guilty to a similar charge, had her case adjourned to May 3 pending her social report being prepared.
Unemployed Erica Francis earlier admitted to committing the offence but later informed the court that she wished for a social report of her being prepared.
Pending the date, Magistrate Lovely Natasha Charles released her on a bail of RM2,000 in two sureties.
Inspectors Suzie @ Stephanie Kupit, Albert Basiri and Kelvan Elson Maik prosecuted.
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