Navy trio's trial over colleague's death deferred to July 3

KOTA KINABALU: The trial of three navy personnel, facing a joint charge of causing the death of their Sabahan colleague, will continue on July 3, 8 and 9 this year at the Sessions Court here.

Judge Ainul Shahrin Mohamed deferred the trial of Lieutenant Madya Muhammad Zahiruddin Nordin, 26, and two Able Ratings, Mohd Hood Mah Hasib, 26, and Muhammad Fadli Zaini, 25, following a request from their counsel, Ram Singh yesterday.

Ram told the court that one of his clients, Mohd Hood, was not present in court as he was afflicted with red eyes and stomach problems. The counsel also said that his client had been given a three-day sick leave by the doctor who treated him.

The three accused persons were jointly charged under Section 304 (a) of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same Code, which provides for a maximum jail of 30 years and a fine, upon conviction.

The trio, from Selangor, Johor and Malacca respectively, were alleged to have committed culpable homicide not amounting to murder of Able Seaman 1 Asrup Raidin, 28, at the lagoon area of the navy uniform station (Pulau Terumbu Ubi) in South China Sea (Spratly Islands) at 7.36 pm on December 3, 2013.

Muhammad Zahiruddin, Muhammad Hood and Muhammad Fadli are currently released on RM10,000 bail deposited with RM5,000 in one local surety, JOHOR BAHARU: A labourer pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate's Court here yesterday, to nine charges involving forgeries of driving licence and vehicle road tax in mid-June.

Mohammad Toha Sujari, 59, was charged with forging six driving licences and three vehicle road tax at his house in Jalan Mawar 40, Taman Mawar, Pasir Gudang pending disposal of their case.

Deputy public prosecutor Aida Jaafar Mad Ariff appeared for the prosecution while Ram was assisted by counsels Timothy Daut and YS Lo.

Meanwhile, the same court fixed July 27–31 this year for the continuation of the rape trial involving a deputy superintendent of police.

The judge set the trial date in the case of Rohaizat Abd Ani, 55, who was charged with four counts of rape and one sodomy charge of an underaged girl.

On the first to the third charges, Rohaizat was charged with two counts of raping and one count of sodomizing the victim, aged 13 and six months old at the time, in a hotel room here at 3.30pm between February 1 and 2, 2012.

On the fourth and fifth charges, Rohaizat was alleged to have raped the same victim at the same place between 7pm and 8pm between May 1 and 6, 2012.

The rape charges were framed under Section 376 (1) of the Penal Code which is punishable with a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction. Whereas, the sodomy charge was framed under Section 377B of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping.

The accused, represented by counsel Zahir Shah, is currently released on RM10,000 bail with RM 5,000 deposited in one local surety for each charge.

Labourer claims trial to nine forgery charges

here about 4pm on June 14.

He is alleged to have committed the offence with fraudulent intent by forging all the documents to make them appear genuine.

Magistrate Mohd Azlan Shah Mohd Alias set bail at RM24,000 in one surety for all the charges.

He fixed July 9 for re-mention to enable the accused to appoint a lawyer. - Bernama