KOTA KINABALU: A local man was yesterday sentenced to one year’s jail and a RM16,989 fine, in default, five months’ imprisonment for using his position to obtain a bribe from his own wife four years ago.
In his reserved ruling, Corruption Court judge Dean Wayne Daly held that Mathews Laysius, 47, had failed to cast reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case.
Dean was found guilty of using his position as an agricultural assistant with Sabah Rubber Industry Board in Bongawan to award a project to his own wife three years ago.
The project involved the construction of a worker’s hut and supply of materials at a cost of RM3,397.80 through a general works order dated July 6, 2009.
The offence was committed at the board’s office in Bongawan.
Dean was convicted under Section 23 (1) of the Corruption Prevention Act 2009, which provides for a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine of up to five times the bribe or RM10,000, depending on whichever is higher.
The court granted the accused a stay of execution pending his appeal to the High Court, and set bail at RM10,000 with one local surety.
The prosecution had called 20 witnesses to testify during Dean’s trial, following which the court had on May 24 this year ruled that a prima facie case had been established against the accused.
The case was first brought to the court on Nov 14, 2011.