Crane operator pleads not guilty to causing hurt during robbery
KUCHING: A crane operator claimed trial in the Sessions Court here yesterday to a charge of voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery.
Rufika Mohamad Hamdan, 38, is accused of causing hurt while robbing a 50-year- old Emart Batu Kawah staff member, with another person still at large.
DPP Syarifah Fatimah Azura requested bail be set at RM20,000 in two sureties with proven income of not less than RM3,500 each, while Rufika appealed for a lower bail amount as he is the sole breadwinner.
Sessions Court judge Mohd Taufik Mohd @ Mohd Yusoff ordered Rufika be released on RM10,000 bail in two sureties with proven income of not less than RM3,500 each.
Mohd Taufik also set the next hearing for April 12.
Rufika faces a charge under Section 394 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and also a fine and caning.
He was not represented by counsel. On Feb 20 around 9.15pm, one of two male suspects alighted from a vehicle and approached the victim at the upper level parking bay of Emart Batu Kawah to supposedly ask for directions.
When the victim replied that she did not know the place, one of the suspects allegedly punched her in the face before stealing her mobile phone.
Both suspects then fled in a car after the victim fought back to prevent them from taking her handbag as well.