Manslaughter: Timorese ordered to enter defence

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KOTA KINABALU: A 46-year-old Timorese man charged with manslaughter, was ordered by the Sessions Court here yesterday to enter into his defence.

Judge Azreena Aziz made the order on Martinus Petros during the hearing here yesterday, stating that the prosecution had established a prima facie case on him.

She said that based on the testimony of 16 witnesses who had been summoned by the prosecution, Martinus had caused the death of the deceased.

Martinus, appearing unrepresented, stated that he would give an unsworn statement.

The accused had allegedly caused the death of Basir Laisia, 40, at a field in Kampung Pulutan, Menggatal, between 7pm on October 20, and 1am of the following day in 2013.

Framed under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code, the offence is punishable with a maximum prison term of 30 years, and a fine.

Deputy public prosecutor Aidah Jaafar Mad Ariff prosecuted the case. The trial, entering the defence phase, would continue on April 6.

Meanwhile, at the same court, a woman claimed trial to allowing two foreigners into her premises.

Rosmawati Satem, 43, denied allowing Filipina Itang Janet, 46, and Indian national Nour Mohamed Abbas into the premises of the Mohd Ros Curry House in Summer Bay, Melinsong, Papar on February 25, this year, between 11.15am and 11.30am.

The offence, framed under Section 55E(1) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, is punishable with a fine not exceeding RM30,000, a one year’s prison term, or both, for each foreigner.

During the hearing, Rosmawati claimed that she was not been the one paying the foreigners and asked for a lower bail. The court fixed April 20 for her case management and allowed her RM2,000 bail with two local sureties.

Prosecuting officer Karmila Tabar prosecuted the case.