By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Oct 22: A 24-year-old college student pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court here today to charges of assaulting a hostel security guard and threatening to set fire to his home after being asked to sign the hostel’s entry logbook.
Magistrate Leona Dominic Mojiliu granted him bail of RM1,000 for each charge and fixed Nov 5 for case management.
The prosecution alleges that the incident occurred at about 4am on Oct 20 on the first-floor staircase of a college hostel in Batu Kawa.
It is understood that the accused, who had reportedly returned to the hostel after drinking alcohol, was asked by the 20-year-old guard to record his name in the entry and exit logbook. The request sparked an argument.
The accused was allegedly displeased and became aggressive, punching the guard several times before warning that he would burn down the guard’s house if a police report was made.
On the first charge, he is accused of voluntarily causing hurt by repeatedly punching the guard in the face and chest. The offence, under Section 323 of the Penal Code, carries a jail term of up to one year, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, upon conviction.
On the second charge, under Section 506 of the Penal Code, he is accused of criminally intimidating the same victim with the words, “If you dare make a police report, I will burn your house down,” intending to cause him fear.
If the threat involves destroying property by fire, a conviction carries up to seven years’ jail, a fine, or both.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ahmad Fauzulutfi Suriani prosecuted, while the accused was unrepresented. – DayakDaily
