Ex-model keeps calm and carries on ahead of re-mention for stripping charge

KUALA LUMPUR: With her vivid blonde curls and chic outfit, Persana Avril Sollunda (pic) committed no fashion crime while standing in the dock at a magistrate’s court here.

The Sabahan is pleading not guilty to a charge under Section 294 of the Penal Code for committing an obscene act in public.

According to Hospital Bahagia’s psychiatric evaluation, which was read out in court on Monday, Persana was of "unsound mind" at the time of the April 23 incident, during which she allegedly removed her white jacket, black blouse and bra after refusing to pay an RM18 bill at a chicken rice shop, and creating a commotion.

After the clip went viral on social media, she was charged with committing a lewd act in public.

The 33-year-old, who was dressed in a leather biker jacket with silver accents and black tights, held a black scarf to her face as she strode out of the courtroom in high-heeled knee-high black boots.

As cameras flashed and journalists hurried after her, the glamorous figure repeated, “I want to call my mother” in a quiet chat with her lawyer Kevin Tan.

“I can call her for you, if you want,” said her bespectacled attorney.

Asked how she was, Persana flashed a quick smile and shook her head slightly, her kohl-rimmed eyes darting at her lawyer.

“He will take your questions,” said the part-time model and spa worker quietly, fingers tightening around the handle of a small black bag as her brother Peter Alvin flanked her left.

When the press asked Tan for a copy of the hospital’s psychiatric evaluation, the lawyer said they would keep it to themselves at this point.

Hearing this, Persana swivelled back slightly, and said “I am okay … By the way, I am also a fan of Prince Harry”.

This was met with some confusion by the members of the media, who wondered if she was alluding to a comment made at an earlier appearance.

After her release from Kajang prison on May 6, Persana had given unintelligible answers to reporters, including “It will create a war between another country... the queen of England is here to have a discussion with the Permaisuri Agung.”

On May 29, Magistrate Nur A'minahul Mardiah Md Nor had ordered Persana to be warded at the Hospital Bahagia for a month-long psychiatric evaluation.

However, Persana has been deemed “stable” and fit to stand trial at this juncture.

According to Tan, they will “just proceed” with the trial without any applications.

The trial is slated to take place from Jan 11-13 next year.