GEORGE TOWN: A man caught on video driving recklessly was charged in the magistrate's court today with mischief and voluntarily causing hurt.
Mohd Hafiz Abidin, 38, claimed trial for both charges which were read by the court interpreter before magistrate Nadratun Naim Mohd Saidi.
On the first charge, he is alleged to have damaged the mirror of a Honda BRV resulting in damages totaling RM1,570.50 along Lebuhraya Peel here about 2.30pm on Oct 17.
He was charged under Section 427 of the Penal Code which provides for a jail term of between one year and five years and a fine, or both, if convicted.
Hafiz initially pleaded guilty when the charge was read to him but claimed trial later when the court interpreter explained the punishment.
On the second charge, he is alleged to have punched a 35-year-old man on the face along Lebuh Kimberley about 6.35pm on Sept 12.
He was charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code which provides for imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to RM2,000, or both, upon conviction.
For this charge, Hafiz said "Saya tak faham, saya tak tumbuk dia" when asked for his plea.
Deputy Public Prosecutor M. Darrshini appeared for the prosecution while Hafiz was represented by a lawyer from the National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK).
Darrshini urged the court to set bail at RM6,000 and RM5,000 for the first and second charges respectively.
She also urged the court to impose additional conditions that the accused would refrain from disturbing the victims and witnesses of both cases.
Hafiz's lawyer told the court that his client earned RM35 daily as a wireman and he had to fend for his mother and disabled sister.
"As such, we appeal for a minimal bail," he added.
Nadratun set bail at RM5,000 with one surety for each of the charges.
She also fixed Nov 21 for mention pending submission of documents and for the accused to appoint a lawyer.
"The court also allowed the additional conditions, that the accused does not disturb the victims and witnesses in these cases," she said.
Before he sat down, Hafiz uttered "Anak haram, saya tak tumbuk", prompting Nadratun to order the policemen to remove the accused from the court for disturbing proceedings.
It was reported that a man, who was caught on video driving recklessly, has been arrested by police.
Police came across the viral video on social media on Oct 18.
The incident happened on Jalan Datuk Keramat and Lebuh Chulia, here, on Sept 12.