Muscat – The Court of Appeal in Nizwa has upheld six rulings issued by the Court of First Instance in Bahla against Badr bin Talib bin Muhammad, an Omani citizen, of nighttime theft, a misdemeanor punishable under Article 340/A of the Penal Code.
Additionally, he was convicted of theft from an inhabited place, punishable under Article 342/B of the same law.
Each ruling stipulates a punishment of one year’s imprisonment and a fine of 300 Omani riyals for the first offense, and three months’ imprisonment for the second offense. The penalties are to be combined, with the more severe punishment to be implemented.
The court also ordered Badr to pay legal expenses and to publish the judgment at his own expense. Civilly, he must return the stolen goods and compensate the victims, with part of the prison sentence suspended.
In a statement issued by Public Prosecution said, ‘The Bahla Police Station received reports from multiple victims stating their homes had been broken into at night. The burglar used a consistent method, entering the courtyards and using an iron tool to remove doors in order to access the homes and steal valuables.
Following investigative efforts, police identified Badr as the suspect. During questioning, he confessed to the crimes. The Public Prosecution, after a thorough investigation of the cases, referred him to the court for trial.