KUALA LUMPUR: The 32-year-old driver of a four-wheel-drive vehicle that crashed into a couple on a motorcycle has been sentenced to 30 days in jail and fined RM12,000 by the Magistrate's Court here.
Magistrate Khairunnisak Hassni passed the sentence on K. Darmaraju after he pled guilty to dangerous driving on the North-South Expressway just before the Duta toll plaza at 2.30pm on May 10.
The court ordered the accused to serve 12 months in jail if he fails to pay the fine.
His offence will also be endorsed on his driving licence and he loses his eligibility to hold a driving licence for five years starting Tuesday (May 13).
Darmaraju, a salesman, was charged under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which carries a maximum five-year jail sentence and a maximum RM15,000 fine, as well as losing eligibility for a driving licence for at least five years.
Prosecuting officer Insp Syazwan Hasifi sought a just sentence to serve as a lesson to the accused.
Lawyer S. Vinesh, representing the accused, pleaded for leniency, stating his client was recently married and supports his parents.
According to the statement of facts, the victims, a husband and wife, were riding their high-powered motorcycle on the leftmost lane of the highway when a vehicle suddenly cut across the lane dangerously.
The accused hit the motorcycle and left the scene. The victims were knocked off their motorcycle and suffered serious injuries.
