Drug case dropped following accused’s death
Published on: Tuesday, July 02, 2024
By: Jo Ann Mool
.jpg "Drug case dropped following accused’s death")
Vinod allegedly committed the offence at 12.15am on Feb 27, 2020 at the roadside in front of the Nur Arisyah Enterprise tyre shop, Kg Kuala Benoni, Mile 29, Jalan Andus in Papar.
Kota Kinabalu: The High Court, Monday, acquitted and discharged a 43-year-old man, who was charged with trafficking 285.18gm of cannabis after being informed that he had passed away.
High Court Judge Datuk Ismail Brahim made the decision after being informed of Vinod Kumar Gopal’s demise on June 28 by the prosecution.
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Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Azreen Yas Mohamad Ramli earlier informed the court that Monday was fixed for continuation of trial but would like to apply for the accused to be acquitted and discharged.
No objection was raised from counsel Datuk Ram Singh, who represented Vinod.
Vinod was scheduled to give his defence for two days from July 1.
He was on April 30, this year, ordered to enter his defence to the charge against him.
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Vinod allegedly committed the offence at 12.15am on Feb 27, 2020 at the roadside in front of the Nur Arisyah Enterprise tyre shop, Kg Kuala Benoni, Mile 29, Jalan Andus in Papar.
The accused, who claimed trial on May 27, 2021 was held under remand since his arrest, as the charge against him has no provision for bail.
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The charge under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) 1952, carries a punishment of either the death penalty or life in prison and whipping with a minimum of 15 strokes.
The prosecution had called six witnesses in the trial at the prosecution’s stage.
Meanwhile, a 61-year-old salon entrepreneur was charged in the Magistrate’s Court for assaulting his wife.
Liew Khien Kwat pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie to voluntarily causing hurt to his 28-year-old wife on June 22, at 10pm, in a unit at Taman Kendara 2 Apartment in Penampang.
The accused allegedly committed an offence under Section 323 of the Penal Code read together with Section 326A of the same Code.
Section 323 carries a jail term of up to one year or a fine of up to RM2,000 or both on conviction while Section 326A states that whoever causes hurt to his spouse or former spouse, child, disabled adult, or other family members and commits an offence under Section 323, 324, 325, 326, 334 or 335 shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of twice as long as the maximum term for which he would be liable to on conviction for that offence.
The court fixed July 29 for pre-trial case management and released the accused on a bail of RM1,800 in two sureties.
In another case, two women were fined RM800 or one month jail for engaging in gambling activity.
Jaimah Johan and Victoria Riki pleaded guilty to the charge against them respectively.
Jaimah was found to have two lottery tickets without a licence on June 18 at 3.10pm in a premises at Cyber Square Commercial Centre.
Victoria had committed online gambling activity on Nov 2, 2022 at 11am in a premises at Manggatal.
Jaimah was charged under Section 9(1) of the Common Gaming House Act and carries a jail term of up to six months, or fine of up to RM3,000, or both, on conviction.
While Victoria was charged under Section 7(2) of the same Act which provides for a fine of up to RM5,000 or up to six months jail or both on conviction.
Inspector Stephanie S.K. prosecuted.
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