IPOH: A couple has been slapped with three joint charges at the Sessions Court here for committing mischief in relation to illegal moneylending activities at several locations here.
M. Dhinakaran, a food delivery rider, and home tutor B. Rahtheneswary, both 34, claimed trial to all the charges that were read in Tamil here on Friday (July 10).
Both were charged under Section 435 of the Penal Code for committing mischief by fire with the intent to cause damage to the door of a house at Menglembu Bestari on June 12 at about 3.30am this year.
If convicted, they could face a jail term of up to 14 years and be fined.
Both also faced two charges under Section 436 of the Penal Code, including an incident whereby they were said to have committed mischief by fire with the intent to destroy four houses at Lorong Kledang Utara, Taman Kledang Suria in Menglembu on June 11 at about 5am.
The other was for allegedly committing mischief by throwing a Molotov cocktail that damaged a house and a motorcycle in Pekan Razaki on June 4 at about 4am.
Those found guilty could face jail up to 20 years and be fined.
Both accused were not represented.
When pleading for a lower bail, Dhinakaran said he has five school-going children, ages two to nine, to care for.
He also needs to look after a younger sibling who required dialysis treatment and an elderly mother.
Rahtheneswary, meanwhile, said her salary as a home tutor was not fixed, and she also needs to care for her mother who has asthma.
Judge Ainul Shahrin Mohamad set bail at RM11,000 for all three charges for each accused, to be paid by sureties who are Malaysians, and Aug 11 for mention.
Deputy Public Prosecutor M. Raveenaa prosecuted.
