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Published: Thursday January 3, 2013 MYT 3:08:00 PM
Updated: Thursday January 3, 2013 MYT 3:09:39 PM

Gobalakrishnan allowed to appeal criminal force conviction


PUTRAJAYA: Padang Serai MP N. Gobalakrishnan has been granted leave to appeal his conviction and fine of RM5,000 imposed by a Magistrates Court for using criminal force on a policeman in 2009.

A three-member Court of Appeal panel led by Datuk Abdul Malik Ishak unanimously granted Gobalakrishan the leave to appeal.

The other two judges on the panel were Court of Appeal judge Datuk Azahar Mohamed and High Court judge Datuk Zawawi Salleh.

The Bukit Mertajam Magistrates Court fined Gobalakrishnan RM5,000, in default six months jail, on July 27 last year after finding him guilty of using criminal force on Sub-Inspector M.Karunamurthi to obstruct him (Karunamurthi) from discharging his duties in front of the National Youth Skills Institute in Bukit Mertajam during the Permatang Pasir by-election on Aug 17, 2009.

On Nov 27 last year, the Penang High Court dismissed Gobalakrishnan's appeal and upheld the Magistrates Court's decision.

Gobalakrishnan was initially discharged and acquitted by the Magistrates Court on June 8, 2011, without his defence being called after the court held that there was no prima facie case.

Under Article 48 of the Federal Constitution, an MP would be disqualified if he is convicted of an offence and sentenced to jail for a term of not less than one year or fined not less than RM2,000. - Bernama

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