KOTA KINABALU: A p-hailing rider was fined RM3,500 in default two months’ jail at the Magistrate’s Court here on Tuesday (Oct 22) after he pleaded guilty to causing hurt to a man during a heated argument following a road accident.
Mohammad Hafidz Bahrul Ulum, 24, made the plea after he was charged under Section 324 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt by a dangerous weapon or means before Magistrate Portia Tham Ong Leng.
Mohammad Hafidz was accused of deliberately hurting Mohammad Shah Abdulamin Saiun, 44, using a motorcycle helmet and an iron rod at Jalan 1 KKIP Selatan, near here, at 11.30am on Aug 29.
The accused paid the fine.
According to the facts of the case, the accident occurred after the accused suddenly stopped his motorcycle, causing the victim, who was driving a four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicle, to hit the back of the machine at Jalan Politeknik near here.
The accused was subsequently rebuked by the driver, triggering a quarrel before both men decided to lodge separate reports at the police station.
While on the way, the accused, who was riding alongside the 4WD, uttered abusive words at the driver who then pulled over at Jalan 1 KKIP Selatan.
An altercation then ensued at the location where the victim was hit by the accused, causing him to suffer injuries to his shoulder, arm and leg.
The incident was caught on a dash cam and recorded on video by the public.
The accused was later arrested on Sept 2 to assist in investigations.
During mitigation, lawyer Jagnesh Jaya, who represented the accused, urged the court to pass a lighter sentence, saying that his client is looking after his wife, who is unemployed, and two children, aged two and five.
"He earns RM2,000 a month by being a p-hailing rider," he said, adding that Mohammad Hafidz was also fully cooperative with the investigating officer during the four-day remand.
“The accused remains remorseful for his action,” Jagnesh said, adding that it was his first offence and that the accused pleaded guilty to save the court’s time.
Prosecuting officer Kelvan Elson Maik pressed for a deterrent sentence to be imposed on the accused, taking into consideration the nature of the offence.
