2 men previously convicted for manslaughter in Batu Kawah murder case now sentenced to 9 month jail term for drug offenses

Kuching Court Complex (File Photo)

KUCHING, Dec 28: Two men who had previously faced prison sentences for the unintentional killing of a 51-year-old man in October 2023, have now been handed nine-month prison terms each for drug offenses.

In a separate proceeding today, Ashley Austin Chin, 25, and Hartley Tuntun Jerah, 33, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali.

The court has also directed that the prison sentences for both defendants be effective today, and they must undergo supervision for a period of two years.

Ashley and Hartley were charged under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, and they were sentenced under Section 15(1) of the same act.

This section carries a penalty of up to two years in prison or a fine not exceeding RM5,000, along with immediate supervision for a maximum period of three years.

Ashley committed the offense at the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department (JSJN) of the District Police Headquarters (IPD) Padawan around 1.15 pm on Nov 2 when he tested positive for the drugs amphetamine and methamphetamine.

On the other hand, Hartley committed the offense at JSJN of the District Police Headquarters Padawan around 10.30am on Nov 11, when he was tested positive for the same drugs.

The prosecution was conducted by Inspector Nur Shafiqa Nyaie Ilin, while Ashley and Hartley were not represented by legal counsel.

Previously, Ashley and Hartley were sentenced to four and five years in prison, respectively, in the Magistrate’s Court here for the unintentional killing of a victim who succumbed to injuries during a brawl involving the two accused at a hotel in Batu Kawah in October. — DayakDaily