SIBU: The High Court here yesterday ordered five men who had been acquitted of felony charges by a lower court to enter their defence following an appeal by the prosecution.
They are Wong Kong Yew, Hii Chie Ping, Wong Leh Ying, Yong King Lung and Lau Ang Ho.
Judge Lee Heng Teck allowed an appeal filed by DPP Robert Pasang Alam against the discharge and acquittal order made by the lower court on Mar 18, 2011.
The prime witness in the case, Kueh Chiow Huat @ Ah Huat, alleged that he was beaten and tortured during his alleged abduction by the men in 2007.
A total of 21 witnesses were called to testify during the trial in the lower court.
Lee ruled that after having read the record of appeal, considered the various exhibits tendered and the submission of the parties concerned, the court found, inter alia, that having undertaken a maximum evaluation of the prosecution’s evidence at the close of the prosecution case found that the prosecution had proved a prima facie case in respect to the charges preferred against the respondents.
“The court allows the appeal and set aside the order of acquittal and discharge of the respondents,” he said.
The charges included gang-robbery, wrongful confinement, abduction and assault.
The judge ordered the case to be brought up for further mention at the Sessions Court on Dec 22.