A Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, on Wednesday sentenced a 31-year-old labourer, Emmanuel Johnson, to eight strokes of cane for stealing pastries and drinks worth N3,250.
The judge, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, however, warned Johnson to be of good behaviour and desist from committing crime.
Johnson of Dagba village, Area 1, Abuja, was convicted on a two-count charge of criminal trespass and theft.
Prosecutor Donaldtus Abah told the court that Nirisasi Sarah of Kwalika Garden, Durumi, Abuja, reported the matter at the Durumi Police Station on July 20.
Abah said that Johnson criminally trespassed into the complainants garden and stole seven pieces of fish-roll valued N400, “Best Cream” drink valued N600, and two “Magic Moment” drinks valued N1,200.
He said the offence contravened sections 342 and 286 of the Penal Code.
Johnson pleaded guilty when the charge was read to him and plead for leniency.