Court convicts, acquits mechanic for attempted theft

An Abuja Senior Magistrates' Court on Wednesday convicted, cautioned
and acquitted a man, Philip Morris of Mpape Village, Abuja, charged
withattempted theft.
The Magistrate, Mrs Chinyere Nwecheonwu, who handed down the judgment
after the convict pleaded guilty to the offence and begged for mercy,
also urged him to be of "good behaviour for a period of five years''.
Nwecheonwu said the court had recognised the fact that the convict was
afirst time offender and had also shown remorse for the offence
committed.
She added that anyone who was not satisfied with the judgment should
appeal within 30 days.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Francis Tanko, told the court that
Joseph Ameh of NTA Quarters, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, reported the case at
WusePolice Station, Abuja, on Aug. 5.
Tanko said on that date, Morris attempted to open Ameh's vehicle,
which was parked in his compound with the intent to steal from it.
The prosecutor said the offence contravened section 79 of the Penal Code.
The convict, who pleaded guilty to the charge, had begged the court
for leniency.
"We usually go to the compound to fetch water. The said vehicle was
parked within the compound and I tried to open it because I saw a
bucketinside which I wanted to use.
"It was in the process of trying to get the bucket that I was attacked
by some men who said I wanted to still from the car and they started
to beat me.
"I work as a mechanic at Wuse Zone 2 and did not intend to steal from
the vehicle. I am begging the court to have mercy on me,'' he said.
(NAN)