SEREMBAN: The Sessions Court here has fixed eight days to hear the case of a former freelance preacher facing three charges of impersonating an advocate and solicitor.
Judge Norina Zainol Abidin fixed July 14 to 17 and Oct 27 to 30 for the trial after DPP Nor Shafatihah Nor Azmi said her team plans to call between 15 and 20 witnesses for the case.
"Please make sure the witnesses, the DPP and lawyers are present in court by 9am on the said days," judge Norina said on Wednesday (April 16).
ALSO READ: ‘Preacher’ charged with impersonating lawyer
Muhammad Syafiq Stewart Abdullah, 46, claimed trial to the charges on Oct 29.
He is accused of deceiving three people into believing he was a qualified advocate and solicitor.
The alleged offences were committed at around 10am on Nov 18, 2021, and March 2 and June 2, 2022 at the Seremban 2 court complex.
Syafiq was charged under Section 416 of the Penal Code for cheating by personation, punishable under Section 419.
ALSO READ: Sessions Court sets April date for case of ex-preacher accused of impersonation
Offenders can be jailed for up to seven years, fined, or both, upon conviction.
DPP Nor Shafatihah also told the court that the witnesses will include investigating officers and court officers.
Lawyer Ahmad Zahid Abu Hashim appeared for the accused while Manian Raju kept a watching brief for the Bar Council.
The accused is out on RM15,000 bail.
