Six months for a watch

JAKARTA (JP): A court sentenced a pickpocket to six months yesterday.

"I beg for a light punishment, I feel bad for my poor grandmother," Jamal Mahdim, 26, told the East Jakarta district court almost in a whisper, a far cry from the usual image of pickpockets who often harass or injure their victims.

"If you care so much about your grandmother then don't repeat your wrongdoings," said Judge Basoeki.

According to prosecutor Agung Dipo, Jamal threatened Fajar Rafii, 10, on Apr. 17, at the Kampung Dukuh junction in East Jakarta and demanded he give him his watch.

"Don't be naughty or I'll slap you," Jamal, who is unemployed, repeated his threat to the court.

Prosecutor Agung had demanded that Jamal be sentenced to 10 months in jail. (14)