Security Guard on Trial for Theft of School Equipment

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The High Criminal Court has begun the trial of a security guard from a technical school who has been accused by the Public Prosecution of stealing 11 car engines and various tools and equipment intended for student training sessions during the summer break.

The head of security at the school was shocked to discover the theft of the equipment, which had been prepared by instructors in the automotive department for the upcoming academic year.

The equipment was organised and set up at the end of the previous school year, ready for student training. During the July and August break, the accused was responsible for guarding these items, which were stored in the department's courtyard.

Surveillance camera footage tracked the theft back to the accused. During investigations, the defendant admitted to taking several pieces of equipment and selling them to a scrap shop, where the owner was contacted and confirmed that he was unaware of the stolen nature of the items. The accused claimed he only took small items without realising their importance to the school.

The Public Prosecutor has charged the defendant, who is employed by the Ministry of Education as a school security guard, with embezzling funds, equipment, and tools that were in his possession. The charges include the theft of 11 car engines, four transmissions, four engine heads, 12 rear axles, and eight rear differentials, valued at 1,735 Bahraini dinars, all belonging to the school.

The accused appeared in the first court hearing, denying the allegations of theft. The court has adjourned the next session to January 13, allowing the defendant's lawyer to present their defense while the accused remains in custody until the next hearing.