Malaysian Influencer Charged With Stealing Ex-Boyfriend's Smartphone
Sarah Leo Ee May expressed surprise that her case is receiving media attention.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 13 Jun 2024, 05:50 PM
A social media influencer has been charged in the George Town Magistrates' Court for stealing her former boyfriend's phone in April
In a proceeding today, 13 June, Sarah Leo Ee May pleaded not guilty to the charge under Section 379 of the Penal Code before magistrate lnadratun Naim Mohd Saidi, reported the New Straits Times.
The 33-year-old influencer, who has 20,000 followers on Instagram, is accused of stealing an OPPO Reno8 5G smartphone worth RM2,000 from a car parked at Gleneagles Hospital in Penang about 10pm on 26 April.
The phone belonged to 27-year-old Andrew Yeap Hue Bing.
If convicted, Leo could face up to seven years in jail or fine, or both
She was represented by lawyer Cheah Eng Soon, while deputy public prosecutor S Preeya Darrsini prosecuted.
Preeya urged the court to set bail at RM7,000, while Cheah pleaded for a minimum bail amount, arguing that it should not be punitive.
Cheah contended that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding between Leo and her ex-boyfriend.
It is understood that Leo operates an online business, while Yeap is a businessman, reported Harian Metro.
The court fixed 24 July for mention and set the bail at RM3,000 with one surety.
Writing on Instagram Stories after the proceeding, Leo claimed that the individual in the case was not her ex-boyfriend, stressing that her ex-boyfriends "would not have treated her in such a way"
Leo expressed surprise that reporters were at the court complex to take photos of her, saying she considered her case to be a minor issue.
She also thanked her family and husband for their support during this challenging time.
"I never cause trouble, and everyone knows who is the person causing trouble here!
"My lawyer is handling all of my affairs. I am sorry that I have become the subject of public mockery. Thank you, everyone, but I will not respond.
"I am neither a celebrity nor a singer. There won't be more updates here," she wrote on her Instagram Stories.
