GEORGE TOWN: Four people, including a teenage girl, have been jointly charged with gang robbery here.
Muhammad Loqman Nasri, 22, Abdul Hakim Mohd Amin, 22, Muhammad Amsyar Md Asraf, 20, and the 15-year-old girl pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to them before Sessions judge Juraidah Abbas on Friday (Sept 12).
According to the charge sheet, the four allegedly robbed Muhammad Syazwan Aiman Muhammad Shahrul, 21, of a mobile phone and RM582, comprising RM100 in cash and RM482 transferred through the victim's Touch 'n Go application.
The offence was allegedly committed at a condominium in Jelutong at 12.30am on Sept 5.
The charge, framed under Section 395 of the Penal Code, carries a sentence of up to 20 years' imprisonment and caning, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Puteri Nor Nadia Mohamed Iqbal offered bail of RM8,000 for each accused with one surety.
However, all four – who were unrepresented – appealed for a reduction, citing financial and personal circumstances.
The teenage accused requested minimal bail as she was no longer in school and her mother was unable to support her.
Loqman, a lorry driver, said he had to provide for his wife, their two-year-old child, as well as his parents; while Amsyar, a diploma student, told the court his parents were divorced and that he lived with six siblings, while their father was unemployed.
After considering their pleas, the court reduced bail to RM4,000 with one surety for each accused, on the condition that they do not disturb prosecution witnesses.
The case has been fixed for mention on Oct 17 for document submission and the appointment of counsel.
