Lawyer in the dock for CBT

2009/11/06

PETALING JAYA, Fri: A woman lawyer claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to criminal breach of trust involving RM96,253 which belonged to a property agent.

Annamala Thananayagam, 43, of T. Annamala & Associates was entrusted with the money as part of a downpayment for the purchase of a property by Abdul Jamil Abdul Mutalib, 57.

She allegedly committed the offence at her firm at No 4B, 2nd Floor, Jalan 14/14, Petaling Jaya, between Nov 18, 2007, and May 6, 2008.

She is charged under Section 409 of the Penal Code and if convicted, will face a jail term of between two and 20 years and is liable for whipping and fine.

Deputy public prosecutor Shah Rizal Abdul Manan proposed RM20,000 bail with one surety.

Counsel Stanislaus Vethanayagam Laws told the court that his client was willing to surrender her international passport and had fully co-operated with police in investigations.

He also told the court that Annamala's husband, who was her bailor, only had RM5,000 and that Annamala had been suffering from severe back pain since she was remanded two days ago.

Judge Rozina Ayob set bail at RM6,000 with one surety and ordered Annamala to surrender her passport.

She fixed Dec 8 for mention. -- BERNAMA