Law Student Claims Trial To Mischief By Fire, Causing Death Of Elderly Woman In Segamat

SEGAMAT, Aug 14 (Bernama) -- A private university law student pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to five counts of mischief by fire and a charge of causing the death of an elderly woman in July.

Chew Hong Joe, 21, entered the plea after the charges were read out before Judge Rahimah Abd Majid

He was accused of committing mischief by fire using petrol with intent to damage five houses in Jalan Francis Khoo, Kampung Bukit Siput, here, at 4 am on July 25.

The charges, framed under Section 436 of the Penal Code, carry a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment or a fine upon conviction.

Chew was also charged with causing the death of Tan Ah Gek, 72, knowing that his act was likely to cause her death at a house in the same location, date and time.

The offence, under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code, carries a maximum jail term of 10 years, a fine, or both, if convicted.

Deputy public prosecutor Siti Khalijah Khalid appeared for the prosecution, while Harcharanjit Singh represented the accused.

Meanwhile, in the Magistrate’s Court here, Chew claimed trial to two counts of criminal intimidation against two individuals by putting up notices on the fence of a house and a place of worship. The charges were read out before Magistrate A. Dhilip Nair.

The offences, under Section 507 of the Penal Code, were allegedly committed at Jalan Ria, Taman Ria, Segamat, between 4 am and 6.45 am on July 25.

Deputy public prosecutor Nur ’Aina Muhammad Ismail Tadj appeared for the prosecution, and the court set bail at RM8,000 for all charges.

Yesterday, the media reported that an elderly woman died after her home in Kampung Bukit Siput, Segamat, was set on fire by a couple believed to have been hired by a Singapore-based loan shark.

-- BERNAMA