Filipino denies murder of countryman

TAWAU: A 22-year-old Filipino man claimed trial at the High Court here yesterday to a charge of murdering a countryman.

Judicial Commissioner Dr Hj Alwi Hj Abdul Wahab fixed November 21 for the trial of Aldin bin Tawasil after the charge was read and explained in Suluk to the accused, who understood the charge and pleaded not guilty.

The accused is charged with causing the death of Ronston Tunai, 29, on June 16, 2017, at about 3pm at an unnumbered house at Kg Sabah Baru, Tengah Nipah Road, Lahad Datu.

He is charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code (Act 574) which carries the death sentence.

The accused is defended by counsel Liew Hon Min and Te Sin Eng.

Meanwhile, the same High Court reduced the sentence of a 36-year old Bruneian from 12 years to 10 years for armed robbery yesterday.

Alwi reduced the sentence of Irwansyah bin Oto as the appellant has no record of previous conviction and did not cause any harm or injury to the victim.

On July 13, 2018 the Sessions Court sentenced the accused to 12 years' jail and ordered him to be given four strokes of the cane, and was referred to the Immigration Department for deportation.

The accused robbed Haruna bin Sarudin while armed with a knife, with a friend still at large, about 7pm on August 7, 2017 at Taman New Asia, Air Panas Road.

He was charged under Section 395/397 of the Penal Code which provides for 20 years' imprisonment and whipping.