17 hours ago
Law student claims trial to causing death of elderly woman
Chew Hong Joe being escorted to the Segamat sessions court today. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA : A law student at a private university pleaded not guilty in the Segamat sessions court today to five counts of mischief by fire and one of causing the death of an elderly woman last month.
Bernama reported that Chew Hong Joe, 21, entered his plea after the charges were read out before judge Rahimah Abd Majid.
He was accused of committing mischief by fire using petrol with intent to damage five houses on Jalan Francis Khoo, Kampung Bukit Siput, Segamat, Johor, at 4am on July 25.
The charges, framed under Section 436 of the Penal Code, carry up to 20 years' imprisonment or a fine upon conviction.
Chew was also charged with causing the death of Tan Ah Gek, 72, at a house in the same location, date and time.
The offence, under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code, carries up to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine or both if convicted.
Deputy public prosecutor Siti Khalijah Khalid appeared for the prosecution, while Harcharanjit Singh represented the accused.
In the magistrates' court, Chew claimed trial before magistrate A Dhilip Nair to two counts of criminal intimidation against two individuals by putting up notices on the fence of a house and a place of worship.
The offences, under Section 507 of the Penal Code, were allegedly committed at Jalan Ria, Taman Ria, Segamat, between 4am and 6.45am on July 25.
Deputy public prosecutor Nur 'Aina Ismail Tadj appeared for the prosecution, and the court set bail at RM8,000 for all charges.
