Court convicts IT Park bike thief

CEBU, Philippines – A court has convicted a man for stealing a motorcycle parked at the Cebu IT Park in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.

Judge Sylva Paderanga of RTC Branch 16 held a certain Edwin Lim criminally liable.

According to Paderanga's decision, the prosecution was able to prove Lim's guilt "beyond reasonable doubt."

Jeric Ganapin, owner of Yamaha XT 250 with plate number YM 2438, alleged that his motorcycle was stolen by Lim while the former was eating in a restaurant.

Taken together with the motorcycle unit were a fall-face helmet, a small bag with tools and raincoat for a total value of P103,500.

Ganapin said after he went out of the restaurant on August 28, 2011, he noticed that his motorcycle was no longer there. Together with the security guards of IT Park, they went to Mabolo Police Station to report the incident.

Ganapin said two weeks after the incident, his motorcycle was spotted in Barangay Busay, Cebu City.  Together with Mabolo police, they proceeded to the area.

The accused was reportedly seen sitting on the motorcycle with its key on.

Ganapin said though some features of the motorcycle were already changed, he still positively identified the same based on the markings on some of its parts.

Ganapin and police officers went to the apartment of the accused in Mabolo and found out that some parts of the said motorcycle, including the plate number, had been detached.

Lim had an incomplete testimony in court.

Paderanga considered the suspect to have waived his right to present evidence in support of his defense after he failed to appear in court. She found Lim guilty of the offense.