LORRY DRIVER PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO ARMED GANG ROBBERY AT BANGSAR CLINIC

KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 (Bernama) -- A lorry driver pleaded not guilty today at the Sessions Court here to a charge of armed gang robbery against a Pakistani clinic worker earlier this month.

50-year-old P Sangara Lingam is jointly accused with another individual, who remains at large, of committing the armed robbery against 35-year-old Sajid Ahmed Abbasi at a clinic in Bangsar at 2 pm on March 4. They allegedly held up the victim with a parang and stole a ring.

The charge was framed under Section 395 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 397, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and may include caning upon conviction. 

Deputy public prosecutor Nor Aisyah Mohamed Zanyuin did not offer bail, but if granted, she sought RM10,000 with one surety, along with conditions that the accused report monthly to the nearest police station and refrain from interfering with prosecution witnesses until the case concludes.

The accused’s counsel, Tripatjit Singh, requested the minimum bail, citing that his client is responsible for two school-going children and has an ailing mother suffering from kidney disease.

“The accused also suffers from intestinal issues and has fully cooperated throughout the investigation. Bail is intended to ensure the accused’s attendance in court, not as a form of punishment. I therefore request the court to grant the lowest possible bail,” he said.

Judge Suhaila Haron granted bail of RM7,000 with one surety and imposed the additional conditions sought by the prosecution, setting the next case mention for April 17.

-- BERNAMA