Man Held for 15 Days After Attempting to Steal Chocolate in Male’

A 59-year-old man from GDh. Gahdhoo has been remanded in custody for 15 days after being caught trying to steal a chocolate bar from a shop in Male’. The case unfolded at Fantasy Store, where security personnel stopped the suspect and alerted police.

Incident Details and Evidence Presented

According to the court order, the police responded promptly after receiving a report that a man had been detained by staff at Fantasy Store for attempting theft. Upon arrival, officers reviewed CCTV footage provided by the store’s human resources team. The video clearly shows the man placing a chocolate bar into his pocket and trying to leave without paying.

When questioned by police, the man admitted to stealing the chocolate, as noted in the official incident report. This admission, along with the video evidence, formed the basis for the charges.

Court’s Decision and Rationale

The Criminal Court ordered the man to be placed in remand custody for 15 days. The ruling highlighted concerns about public safety and the legal process required for the trial. It also took into account the man’s criminal history, which includes 29 prior arrests and 18 previous stints in custody, with past offenses involving theft.

A History of Repeat Offenses

The court’s documentation revealed a troubling pattern of repeated offenses by the man, signaling the seriousness of the case beyond the single chocolate theft. This background influenced the decision to keep him in custody during the investigation and trial preparations.

The remand period allows authorities time to complete necessary legal procedures before the case moves forward. Meanwhile, the man remains in custody as investigations continue.

Cases like this highlight the challenges of addressing repeated petty crimes while maintaining public safety in the capital city. It also raises questions about support systems available for individuals caught in cycles of criminal behavior.