SEREMBAN: Two men have claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to a charge of robbing a woman of several gold items.
Muhammad Redzuan Muhammad Khairul Anuar and G. Thanthiran - both 25 - pleaded not guilty after being charged with committing gang robbery before Judge Surita Budin.
They were accused of robbing the victim while armed with a machete and knife at around 3am on August 3 in Kota Seriemas.
The items allegedly stolen included two gold wafers, a pair of gold earrings, a gold chain, and a bracelet.
The duo were charged under Section 395 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 397, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Zul Azrin Zainuddin, assisted by Nur Nadiahani Ideris, told the court that bail for both accused was set at RM20,000 each.
The prosecution also requested that the suspects stay away from the victim and report to the nearest police station once a month until the case is resolved.
Both accused, who were unrepresented, pleaded for lower bail, citing their low income as a labourer and lorry attendant respectively and the need to provide for their families.
Judge Surita set bail at RM12,000 each and allowed the prosecution’s other requests.
A third accused, 26-year-old T. Pretty, also claimed trial to a charge of possessing a 6g gold wafer believed to be part of the loot.
She was charged with committing the offence at around 2pm on August 27 in front of a pawnshop in Kuala Lumpur.
Pretty was charged under Section 412 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and a fine.
DPP Muhammad Zul Azrin requested bail at RM20,000 pending the next mention.
Her lawyer P. Vitiya Monisha pleaded for minimum bail, stating that the accused earns about RM1,300 a month and has to provide for her elderly parents.
She said the accused has been in remand for the past 16 days and has cooperated with the police.
The accused, she added, was not involved in any gang robbery.
Judge Surita set bail at RM12,000 with one surety and fixed both cases for next mention on October 17.
