Sibu New Year’s Day shooting accused claims trial to attempted murder

SIBU (July 25): A 25-year-old man claimed trial in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of attempted murder during a shooting at Jalan Wong King Huo on Jan 1.

Judge Marutin Pagan ordered for Billy Harris Wee Abdullah to appear in court again on Sept 3 for pre-trial case management.

Billy, who was represented by counsels Ranbir Singh and Alexander Ling, was charged under Section 307 of the Penal Code read together with Section 109 of the same Code.

The Section provides for a maximum 10 years in prison and a possible fine; and if hurt is caused to any person by such act, the offender can face up to 20 years in jail.

Deputy public prosecutor (DPP) David Bakit Nuing offered bail of RM15,000 (deposited) with two local sureties with a minimum income of RM3,000 per month and for Billy to report to the nearest police station once a month.

However, Ranbir requested bail of RM5,000 with two local sureties, with an income of RM1,500 per month.

He argued that the bail must be affordable because Billy is an air-conditioning technician and is married with a newborn child to support.

“He has been detained since the evening of July 3, 2024, until today. He does not know whether he has a job to go back to,” Ranbir said.

Marutin allowed Billy to be released on RM7,000 bail with two local sureties who have permanent address in Sibu.

On July 17, the other four men arrested with Billy were released on bail (undeposited) and one local surety each after they became prosecution witnesses.

The four were represented by defence counsels Boston Ho and Daniel Ling.

Billy and three of the men were arrested here on July 3, while the fifth man was arrested on July 4 in Johor.