KUALA LUMPUR: A lorry driver has pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here to a charge of armed gang robbery against a Pakistani clinic worker.
50-year-old P Sangara Lingam was jointly accused with another individual, who remains at large, of committing the armed robbery against 35-year-old Sajid Ahmed Abbasi at a clinic in Bangsar at 2pm on March 4.
They allegedly held up the victim with a parang and stole his ring.
The charge was framed under Section 395 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 397, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment and may include caning upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Nor Aisyah Mohamed Zanyuin did not offer bail, but sought RM10,000 with one surety if granted, along with conditions that the accused report monthly to the nearest police station and refrain from interfering with prosecution witnesses until the case concludes.
The accused's counsel, Tripatjit Singh, requested minimum bail, citing that his client is responsible for two school-going children and has an ailing mother.
"The accused also suffers from intestinal issues and has fully cooperated throughout the investigation. Bail is intended to ensure the accused's attendance in court, not as a form of punishment. I therefore request the court to grant the lowest possible bail," he said on Thursday (March 19).
Judge Suhaila Haron granted bail of RM7,000 with one surety and imposed the additional conditions sought by the prosecution, setting the next case mention for April 17. – Bernama
