An unemployed man was sentenced to 20 days' jail today for stealing RM31.70 worth of tips from a jar at a Japanese restaurant.

Magistrate Husna Dzulkifly imposed the sentence on Terence Aslem de Mello, 36, after he pleaded guilty to the theft charge.

The magistrate ordered de Mello to serve his jail sentence from the day of his arrest on June 21, this year.

The offence took place about 4.30pm at Ichiban Ramen Pavilion, Jalan Dang Wangi in Kuala Lumpur, on June 20.

The accused was charged under Section 380 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years and a fine.

Deputy public prosecutor Nur Farah Adilah Noordin appeared for the prosecution while the accused was unrepresented.

Earlier in mitigation, de Mello expressed regret and sorrow, and said he had returned the tips to the restaurant.

- Bernama