KOTA KINABALU: A local sales executive was freed by the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday, from a charge of cheating a senior citizen of personal belongings and cash estimated at RM3,000.
Magistrate Herlina Muse acquitted and discharged Nurhayati Maslinda Chew without calling for her defence, as the former ruled that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the latter.
The 32-year-old woman was accused of cheating Justina Thasicius, 71, by representing to Justina that she (Nurhayati) was a welfare officer who could help her (Justina) to obtain an aid from the Welfare Department and induced Justina to give Nurhayati a necklace, a bracelet, four rings, a watch and RM82 cash at a hospital here on Feb 18.
Nurhayati was tried under Section 420 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum of 10 years’ jail and whipping or be liable to whipping, on conviction.
The trial commenced on Nov 25 this year and the prosecution had called four witnesses to testify against Nurhayati.
She was defended by counsel Muammar Julkarnain.