TAWAU: A 27-year-old mechanic was jailed 30 years and ordered to get 12 strokes of the cane for trafficking 588.1gm syabu two years ago.
High Court Judge Datuk Duncan Sikodol handed the sentence to Hendra Bala after ruling that the prosecution had proven it’s case beyond reasonable doubt against Hendra.
Hendra was found guilty of trafficking the drug at 4.35pm on Nov 9, 2022 at a shoplot in Jalan Bunga Tanjung, here.
He was convicted under Section 39B(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act and punishable under Section 39B(2) of the same Act which provides for the death sentence, or life imprisonment, and whipping, on conviction.
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He was also ordered to be referred to the Immigration Department after serving the jail sentence.
In mitigation, Hendra, who was represented by counsel Jhesseny P. Kang together with counsel Jhassary P. Kang, asked for a lenient sentence saying that it was Hendra’s first offence.
Jhesseny also informed the court that Hendra have small children to look after and that if imprisoned for too long, it would be a burden to the government to support a prisoner who is an illegal immigrant.
However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Hurman Hussain urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence on the grounds that during Hendra’s arrest, he tried to run away from the police.
Hurman informed the court that Hendra in his bid to escape in his vehicle, had caused him to hit several shops and vehicles at the area.
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