GEORGE TOWN: A Datuk Seri and nine others accused of rioting at an entertainment outlet were given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal by a magistrate’s court.
Two more, who were also charged with the same offence, changed their plea to guilty.
Businessman Datuk Seri Loh Peng Kok and 11 others were charged with rioting at a nightspot in a shopping centre in Burma Road at 3.58am on March 18.
They were charged under Section 147 of the Penal Code and faced up to two years’ jail, a fine or both, if convicted.
All claimed trial and posted bail on March 21.
Counsel R.S.N. Rayer, who represented the 12 accused, had earlier sent a letter of representation to the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the deputy public prosecutor for a review of the charge.
Yesterday, J. Shatheeswaran, 24, and Curtis Veeran, 19, admitted to the offence at the court.
Loh, 36, Muhamad Naim Abdull Rahman, 18, N. Kartigk, 26, Ng Hao Ning, 29, Siow Pier Sheng, 24, Tan Ban Chuan, 46, Tan Kai Chong, 21, Tan Teong Boon, 24, Teoh Chee Seng, 36, and Teoh Kim Teik, 20, maintained their pleas and denied committing the offence.
In mitigation, Rayer said Shatheeswaran and Curtis Veeran were remorseful over their actions.
“They regretted that their actions implicated their friends including Datuk Seri Loh. Their guilty pleas have helped save the court’s time.
“Both do not have permanent jobs and we believe this is their first offence,” Rayer said.
Magistrate Muhamad Amin Shahul Hamid fined Shatheeswaran and Curtis Veeran RM2,500 each, in default five months’ jail. They paid the fines.
Muhamad Amin then released Loh and the others.
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