MAN CLAIMS TRIAL TO CAUSING WOMAN’S DEATH
Farm worker allegedly ploughed his car into victim’s nasi lemak stall
A30-YEAR-OLD farm worker claimed trial at the magistrate’s court here yesterday to driving under the influence of drugs and causing the death of a nasi lemak seller last weekend.
G. Ravi, 30, shook his head when the charge was read to him by the court interpreter and uttered a firm “Tidak” (No) as he pleaded not guilty before magistrate M. Kalaiarasi.
He was charged with driving under the influence of drugs and causing the death of Roslinda Mohamad Isa, 44, who was operating a stall by the roadside of Jalan Bertam Indah about 10.10am on June 16.
Ravi was charged under Section 44(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. The offence provides a jail term of between three and 10 years, and a fine of RM20,000 upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Amril Johari told the court that the offence was non-bailable. He said should the court allow bail, it should be fixed at RM20,000 in one surety.
“We also request that the accused report himself at the nearest police station. The court should immediately confiscate his driving licence,” he said,
Muhaimin Hashim, who represented Ravi, urged for a lower bail, saying that his client has three children to feed and earned only about RM1,200 monthly.
“There is also no reason for him to abscond. There is also no reason for him to disturb the witnesses in the case,” he said, adding that his client had a permanent address in Ara Kuda near here.
Kalaiarasi set bail at RM8,000 in one surety and fixed July 20 for mention.
She ordered the accused to report to the nearest police station on the 20th of each month, until the disposal of the case.
Earlier, Ravi was led into the courtroom with his hands cuffed. He was wearing the same purple T-shirt and denim jeans on the day he was arrested. He was also seen talking to family members seated at the public gallery.
Roslinda’s mother, children and other relatives were present in court. Her children were in tears when the accused pleaded not guilty to the offence.
“All we want is justice for what happened to my mother,” said Roslinda’s eldest son, Muhamad Razin Naufan Mat Subri, 20.
Razin said his father had since been discharged from hospital.
“However, we are staying with our grandmother for now. We can’t bring ourselves to return home as it reminds us of our mother.”
It was reported that Roslinda died at Kepala Batas Hospital on Sunday afternoon after the Proton Iswara car allegedly driven by the man ploughed into her stall.
The incident injured her husband Mat Subri Saad, 44.