Man who stole iPhone, bags at mosque while under remission order gets jail
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SINGAPORE – A man stole an iPhone and two bags at a mosque while on remission order for previous drug offences.
On March 3, Mohammed Abdul Rahim, 63, was sentenced to a total of two years, 10 months and 130 days’ jail after he pleaded guilty to three charges, including stealing an iPhone 14 Pro Max valued at around $1,500.
In addition, he admitted to failing to remain indoors at Selarang Halfway House from May to July 2023, a condition set out in his remission order when he was released early from a nine-year jail sentence for drug offences.
He also admitted to not turning up for his mandated urine tests and had no valid reasons for his absences.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Kelly Ng said Mohammed was sentenced to nine years’ jail in 2017 after pleading guilty to drug offences, among other crimes.
He was released from prison in January 2023 and had to stay out of trouble until December 2025.
However, he failed to report for his urine tests on multiple occasions, and also did not stay indoors at Selarang Halfway House at the stipulated time he was told to in his remission order.
On July 26, 2023, Mohammed visited a mosque at Jalan Ismail and stole an iPhone and two bags from devotees who were praying.
The victims only knew their belongings were stolen after the prayer session ended. A police report was lodged.
On July 31, one of the victims used his “Find My iPhone” application on his iPad and traced his stolen iPhone to Tanjong Katong.
The victim confronted Mohammed about his stolen phone, but Mohammed brazenly asked him for $300 after handing the phone over. The victim did not give him money and left with his phone.
Mohammed was arrested the same day.
In her submissions, DPP Ng said Mohammed had taken advantage of the fact that the victims were concentrating in prayer and had their backs facing Mohammed to commit his offences.
She added that after his release from prison, Mohammed stayed crime-free for only several months before he reoffended, showing a lack of commitment to his rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Those who commit theft in dwelling can be jailed for up to seven years and are liable to a fine.
Nadine Chua is a crime and court journalist at The Straits Times.
