Inspector jailed six years for using forged documents in drug investigation papers

TAWAU: A police inspector was sentenced to six years' imprisonment by the magistrate's court today for using forged documents in drug investigation papers three years ago.

Magistrate Dayang Aidaku Amira Aminuddin found Crall Mark Bait, 36, guilty of three amended charges under Section 471 of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 466 of the same code.

"The court is satisfied that the prosecution has proven each of the three amended charges under Section 471 of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 466 of the same code, beyond reasonable doubt.

"I therefore find the accused guilty and convict him on all three amended charges," she said in her judgement.

The accused was sentenced to two years' imprisonment for each charge, with the sentences ordered to run consecutively, bringing the total to six years.

However, the court granted a stay of execution pending an appeal following an application by his lawyer, Sylvester Kuan.

Under the three amended charges, Crall was accused of fraudulently using as genuine forged documents comprising statements recorded under Section 112 of the Criminal Procedure Code by three police personnel acting in their official capacities.

During mitigation, Sylvester urged the court to impose a lighter sentence, saying his client had been suspended from duty and was receiving only part of his basic salary, leaving him in financial difficulty.

However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Shearil Aizad Murnizam urged the court to impose a heavier sentence, citing the seriousness of the offences and the accused's position as a police officer.