Grass cutter denies obstructing police officer on duty

 

Charged: Subramaniam leaving the court complex in Ipoh, Perak. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star

IPOH: A 49-year-old grass cutter has claimed trial at the Magistrate’s Court here for obstructing and causing injuries to a policeman on duty.

P. Subramaniam pleaded not guilty when the charges were read before Magistrate Noor Azreen Liana Mohd Darus.

According to the charge sheet, Subramaniam allegedly obstructed Sjn Mohd Zainudin Mohd Jidin from performing his duty when the latter requested for Subramaniam’s identification card at Flat Harmoni in Buntong around 3.15pm on Tuesday.

Subramaniam then allegedly hit Sjn Mohd Zainudin’s head using a helmet.

Subramaniam is being charged under Section 186 for obstructing civil servants from performing their duties and Section 322 of the Penal Code for causing hurt.

The punishment under section 186 is two years’ jail or a maximum RM10,000 fine or both, while the other charge carries a jail term of up to 10 years with fine or whipping or any two of the punishments, if convicted.

During mitigation, Ranjit Singh, who represented Subramaniam, said his client would lodge a police report against the sergeant.

“The officer was not in his uniform when he asked Subramaniam to provide his MyKad.

“My client only earns RM1,200 a month and is raising four children. His wife is not working, ” he said, adding that this was Subramaniam’s first offence.

Noor Azreen Liana set bail at RM4,000 in one surety for both charges and fixed Feb 18 for mention. Deputy public prosecutor K. Darinee prosecuted. - Star