PETALING JAYA: An American citizen has claimed trial to culpable homicide over the death of a Malaysian man after bumping shoulders with him at an entertainment centre here two weeks ago.
Thomas Joseph, a 30-year-old technician, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read in English before sessions court judge Syahliza Warnoh, Berita Harian reported.
He was charged under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code with causing the death of K Chandra Bose, 58, at an entertainment centre at The Square, Jaya One, Jalan Prof Diraja Ungku Aziz at 12.30am on March 23.
If convicted, he could face up to 30 years’ jail and a fine.
Deputy public prosecutor Anis Hakimah Ibrahim asked the court to deny him bail, saying there was a risk that Joseph would flee the country.
If the court did decide to grant bail, Anis said it should be a high amount and the accused should be required to surrender his passport.
Lawyer Suraj Singh asked the court to grant Joseph bail since he was charged with culpable homicide, not murder.
“We cannot punish someone just because they are a foreigner. We do not object to surrendering his passport until the case is over,” he said.
Syahliza decided not to grant bail and fixed May 28 for case mention.
