KUALA LUMPUR: The Magistrate’s Court here sentenced a man to four years’ jail and fine of RM15,000, in default 10 months’ jail, after finding him guilty on Friday (March 25) of driving under the influence of alcohol which resulted in the death of a policeman, with another injured, in an incident four years ago.

       Magistrate Puteri Nursheila Rahimi handed down the sentence on N. Mohan Rao, 48, after finding the defence having failed to raise reasonable doubts against the prosecution’s case.

       She also ordered Mohan Rao’s driving licence to be suspended for five years.

       However, the court allowed a stay of the sentence following a request by lawyer Roshan Selvaratnam, representing Mohan Rao, pending an appeal at the High Court.

       Mohan Rao was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, with the blood alcohol level exceeding the permitted limit, and resulted in the death of Constable Mohd Zamiri Sinsian, 25, and injured then 23-year-old Constable Osman Ibrahim at Jalan Semantan heading towards the city at 3.30am on Dec 5, 2018.

       The charge was framed underSection 44 (1) (b) of the Transport Act 1987, which provides an imprisonment for between three years and 10 years and fine of up to RM20,000, upon conviction.

       The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor Farhana Che Awang, while lawyer Tay Yi Kuan also appeared for the defence.

       A total of 17 witnesses, including two for the defence, were called during hearing of the case which began in 2019. - Bernama