Fake newsman changes plea after admitting to punching Asli CEO
NATION
Monday, 18 Nov 20194:05 PM MYT
By NURBAITI HAMDAN
image: https://apicms.thestar.com.my/uploads/images/2019/11/18/392532.jpg
KUALA LUMPUR: A "reporter" who admitted to assaulting Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute (Asli) CEO Melissa Ong (pic), has changed his plea, when his case was brought for mention at the Sessions Court.
Mohd Zarith Md Hanipah, 34, had pleaded guilty on Nov 12, to causing grievous hurt to Ong and faced a maximum seven-year imprisonment and a fine.
He was supposed to be sentenced today (Nov 18) but as his case was brought up before Sessions Court judge Mahyon Talib, Mohd Zarith changed his plea.
He claimed trial to the offence, allegedly committed at the Sunway Putra Hotel, Jalan Putra, around 12.15pm on Nov 8.
Lawyer Azi Azlin Zulkifli, who represented the accused, asked for a minimum bail.
Judge Mahyon, however, maintained the bail at RM15,000 and one surety.
The case is fixed for mention on Dec 12.
DPP Nurliyana Mohd Jafri prosecuted.
It was reported that a man posing as a reporter punched and broke Ong's nose after she asked to see his media accreditation during guest registration at the Russian Trade and Business Investment Forum held at a hotel in the city on Nov 8.
The man claimed that he was from Bernama, but the national news agency has now said he is not from the organisation.
He was detained by hotel security staff and handed over to police.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/11/18/fake-newsman-changes-plea-after-admitting-to-punching-asli-ceo#sZdDeD7pHOSqceAQ.99
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