IPOH: A scrap metal collector was sentenced to death after the High Court here today found him guilty of murdering a man, eight years ago.
High Court judge Datuk Anselm Charles Fernandis meted out the punishment after finding R. Saravanan guilty, as the defence had failed to raise reasonable doubt in the case.
In the dock, the 41-year-old accused appeared calm after the judge announced his decision. His family sitting in the public gallery could be seen shedding tears.
According to the charge sheet, Saravanan was accused of murdering K. Gobi Nathan, who was 44 at the time, behind a restaurant in Medan Klebang Restu, Chemor on July 5, 2015.
The offence falls under Section 302 of the Penal Code which provides for a death sentence upon conviction.
During the trial, seven prosecution witnesses and five defence witnesses were called to testify.
The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor, Nurul Wahida Jalaluddin while the accused was represented by counsel, T. Vijayandran.
Before leaving the courtroom, Saravanan hugged his mother and also knelt at her feet.
It was reported on July 6, 2015, that the victim, a security guard, was found dead with seven cuts on his head and both hands after being attacked by two men armed with machetes.
It was learnt that the victim came to the area to buy necessities at a shop, before being chased by one of the men to the alley, behind the restaurant.
Former Ipoh District Police chief, Assistant Commissioner Sum Chang Keong said the suspect chased the victim to the alley and slashed him repeatedly.
Sum said, after being slashed, the victim who was covered in blood tried to run away, as police found traces of blood before locating the victim's body about 80 metres away from the scene.