Claimed trial: Joseph being led out of the Sessions Court in Petaling Jaya. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: A technician from the United States has pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here to a charge of causing the death of a local man at an entertainment outlet.
Thomas Joseph, 30, was charged with causing the death of K. Chandra Bose, 58, resulting from injuries sustained by the victim at 12.30am on March 23.
He was charged under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum imprisonment of 30 years and may be liable to a fine, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Anis Hakimah Ibrahim urged the court to decline bail, citing the seriousness of the offence.
“The court must take into account public interest and the fact that the accused is a foreign national. Granting bail poses a flight risk and potential failure to appear in future proceedings,” she said, Bernama reported.
However, Anis proposed that if the court decides to grant bail, the prosecution suggests imposing a high bail along with additional conditions, such as surrendering his passport, reporting to the police station monthly, and refraining from tampering with prosecution witnesses.
Lawyer Datuk Suraj Singh requested bail for his client, citing that the charge is under Section 304 of the Penal Code and not Section 302, which pertains to murder.
He assured the court that the accused would comply with the prosecution’s additional conditions.
Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh denied bail and set May 28 for case mention.
It was reported that a local man died after allegedly being punched by a foreigner during a brawl, causing the victim to fall and fracture his head.
