2 teens accused of arson sentenced to clean toilets for 100 hours

 

Hizanawati Abu Bakar, mother of Damin Mikhail Kansol, 16, who died after a public toilet was set on fire during a prank in Bandar Puncak Alam last year, with her lawyer at the court today to hear the verdict against the two boys. (Bernama pic)

KUALA SELANGOR: Two teenagers were sentenced to community service and ordered to wash toilets for 100 hours for six months by the magistrates’ court today for causing mischief by fire at a public toilet in Bandar Puncak Alam here last year.

Magistrate Siti Hajar Ali also ordered them to be released on a good behaviour bond of RM1,000 each for two years. They must also report to the nearest police station once a month during the period.

This came after the two juveniles pleaded guilty in the case today.

“You are not allowed to leave the house alone from 8pm to 6am unless accompanied by your parents. You also have to attend a workshop run by the social welfare department (JKM),” she said.

According to the charge, the two boys, aged 16 and still schooling, were accused of committing mischief by fire which caused the destruction of a public toilet at a futsal court in Phase 3 of Bandar Puncak Alam at 2.47pm on Aug 28, 2022.

The offence was committed under Section 436 of the Penal Code, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine.

Earlier, during the proceedings, a representative from JKM submitted a report on the two accused in addition to submitting two recommendations, including releasing them on a good behaviour bond.

Two public advisers also gave a statement in the court gallery reprimanding the actions of the two accused who had destroyed public property. They said the incident had also caused the death of a teenager, Damin Mikhail Kansol, resulting in much grief for the family.

Damin, 16, was found dead at the public toilet after two of his friends carried out the prank last year.

Deputy public prosecutor Afiq Qiwamuddin Mustapha Shakri asked for an appropriate punishment to be imposed on the two accused because the incident involved public interest.

Also present during the proceedings was lawyer Johan Ariff Salim Khan, representing Damin’s family. Both accused were not represented by lawyers throughout the proceedings. - FMT