Batu Kawa murder case duo get nine months for drug abuse

KUCHING: Two men connected to the widely publicised murder of a 51-year-old hotel worker in Batu Kawa here in October have been sentenced to nine months for their involvement in drug abuse activities.

Ashley, 25, and Hartley, 33, each pleaded guilty to a charge read separately before Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali.

According to the charges, Ashley was accused of consuming prohibited substances such as Amphetamine and Methamphetamine when detained at the Padawan Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division around 1.15pm on Nov 2.

Meanwhile, Hartley tested positive for the same two drugs at the same location, around 10.30am on Nov 11, 2023.

Both Ashley and Hartley are charged under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and can be penalised according to Section 15(1) of the same Act.

If convicted, they could face imprisonment for up to two years, a fine not exceeding RM5,000, and supervision for a period not exceeding three years.

The court ordered their imprisonment to commence from Thursday (Dec 28).

Inspector Nur Shafiqa Nyaie Ilin prosecuted both cases, while the two accused were not represented by legal counsel.

Ashley and Hartley are currently serving four and five years jail terms, respectively, as sentenced by the Magistrates’ Court for culpable homicide not amounting to murder against the 51-year-old hotel worker in October of this year.