A 39-year-old unemployed man, T. Gunasegaran, has been sentenced to six years in prison by the Sessions Court for setting fire to a woman's car. The court ruling was delivered on June 20 by Judge Norina Zainol Abdin, who ordered that Gunasegaran's sentence begin immediately.
The incident occurred on April 11 at 3:40 pm in front of an apartment block in Cheras. Gunasegaran was charged with mischief under Section 435 of the Penal Code, which carries a potential prison term of up to 14 years and a fine. The car, owned by 37-year-old Manjeetpal Kaur, was valued at RM43,000.
According to the case details, Manjeetpal was in her fifth-floor apartment when a neighbor’s child informed her that a man was breaking her car’s window. Upon rushing outside, she saw Gunasegaran standing by her car’s open driver’s door with smoke emanating from the vehicle. Her husband quickly went downstairs to try to extinguish the fire but was obstructed by the accused. This intervention necessitated bystanders to step in, detain Gunasegaran, and successfully put out the flames.
The police arrived and arrested Gunasegaran, confiscating a knife and a lighter found in his possession. The investigation confirmed that Gunasegaran had intentionally set the car on fire.
During the court proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Ngoh Jess Lynn emphasized the severity of the offense and the significant loss inflicted on the victim, calling for an appropriate punishment to serve as a deterrent to the accused and others.
Gunasegaran, who did not have legal representation, pleaded for leniency, requesting a minimum fine due to his unemployment and his responsibility of caring for his ailing mother. Despite his plea, the court decided on a six-year prison sentence, underscoring the gravity of his actions.
This incident highlights the legal consequences of committing acts of vandalism and arson, particularly when they result in significant property damage and public disturbance. The court's decision aims to deliver justice to the victim and reinforce the importance of upholding the law.
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