A TEENAGER’S attempt to plead guilty to injuring a police officer was rejected by the Magistrates’ Court after he failed to recognise photographic evidence related to the incident.
Magistrate Siti Nurul Suhaila Baharin declined to accept the plea from 19-year-old S.R. Aingaran, citing his inability to verify images presented as part of the prosecution’s case.
Aingaran, an assistant lorry driver, was charged with voluntarily causing hurt to a police officer on duty at the guard post of the Penang police contingent headquarters at approximately 9.40pm on 22 June.
The charge, under Section 323 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum sentence of one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both upon conviction.
According to the prosecution, two men were detained by the officer for acting suspiciously. One of them was allegedly intoxicated and was taken inside for further checks. At that point, the accused reportedly became aggressive, punching the officer in the face and biting his chest, resulting in visible swelling and bruising.
Following the court’s decision to reject the plea, Deputy Public Prosecutor Lau Shavin proposed bail be set at RM5,000 with one surety.
However, defence counsel S. Bommy, representing the National Legal Aid Foundation, appealed for leniency, citing Aingaran’s age, single status, and modest monthly income of RM1,800.
The court granted bail at RM3,000 with one surety and imposed a condition prohibiting the accused from contacting the victim or the victim’s family.
The case has been set for mention on 21 July to allow time for document submission and the appointment of counsel. - June 25, 2025
