A man with 12 children pleaded not guilty in the Ampang Magistrate's Court today to committing mischief by smashing the rear wind screen of a lorry in an attempt to steal some copper wire in the vehicle.

Vong Hon Chan,56, was charged with committing the mischief by smashing the wind screen of the lorry belonging to one Ten Kek Chen,31, involving losses of RM300 at Jalan Cahaya 1, Taman Cahaya, here at 2.40pm last July 13.

He was charged under Section 427 of the Penal Code, which provides an imprisonment for up to five years, or a fine, or both, if found guilty.

Vong was also charged with attempting to steal seven rolls of copper wire which was inside the lorry at the same place, time and date.

The charge, made under Section 379/511 of the Penal Code, provides an imprisonment for up to seven years, or fine, or both, if found guilty.

The prosecution, conducted by deputy public prosecutor Norhashimah Hashim, offered bail of RM10,000 on both charges with one surety.

However, Voon, who was unrepresented, requested for a lower bail, saying that he could not afford the amount as he was supporting a wife and 12 children with an income of RM50 a day.

Following which, Magistrate Mohamad Firdaus Sadina Ali allowed him bail of RM5,000 on both charges with one surety and set Aug 21 for mention.

--Bernama