Previously, we shared how the driver of a 4-wheel-drive pickup truck who rammed into a couple on a motorcycle near the Duta Toll Plaza in Kuala Lumpur before fleeing was sentenced to 30 days in jail and a fine of RM12,000 by the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate Court.
Well, there has been an update in the case today, whereby the Kuala Lumpur High Court reviewed the decision by the subordinate court and “upgraded” the sentence to 6 months in jail instead.
The prosecution urged for harsher punishment on the accused in a submission to the Kuala Lumpur High Court today
As reported by Harian Metro, the Kuala Lumpur High Court reviewed the decision after Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Mohd Sabri Othman today submitted that the previous sentencing did not reflect the aim of the law amendments and the commitment of Parliament to protect the rights and safety of road users.
Mohd Sabri argued,
“The RM12,000 fine has been paid by the accused. The 30-day jail term goes by in the blink of an eye compared to the victims who suffer permanent disability and are dependent on their family’s help and hospital treatment,”
The DPP then informed the court that one of the victims, 49-year-old Suhailiza Shamsudin, is still receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) due to bleeding in her head.
Meanwhile, the other victim, 53-year-old Faizal Mat, suffered a fractured collarbone and a laceration to the ankle.
Hence, the prosecution urged for a harsher punishment so that the case can be a deterrent and to serve as a lesson not only to the accused but to the public who intend to commit the same act.
Sabri further told the court that the accused had driven at a high speed and dangerously overtook the motorcycle, which was going straight on the leftmost lane. Not only that, the accused didn’t even stop but immediately left the location after ramming into the victims.
The accused’s prison sentence was increased from 30 days to 6 months
Previously, the accused, 32-year-old car accessories salesman K Darmaraju, pleaded guilty at the Magistrate Court to reckless driving.
Following the prosecution’s submission, High Court judge K. Muniandy reviewed the Magistrate Court’s decision and increased the jail term against the accused to six months in jail.
However, Muniandy maintained the RM12,000 fine and the 5-year suspension of the accused’s driving license imposed by the subordinate court.
So, what do you guys think of this most recent development in the case? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
