13 Aug 2020
1. ) [05-76-04/2017 (J)] LETITIA BOSMAN 2. ) [05-179-08/2017 (B)] JORGE CRESPO GOMEZ 3. ) [05-214-09/2017 (K)] BENJAMIN WILLIAM HAWKES 4. ) [05(M)-118-05/2018 (B)] PUBALAN S/O PEREMAL
- Citation
- 05-76-04/2017 (J); 05-179-08/2017 (B); 05-214-09/2017 (K); 05(M)-118-05/2018 (B) (Mahkamah Persekutuan)
- Court
- J
- Case number
- 05-76-04/2017 (J); 05-179-08/2017 (B); 05-214-09/2017 (K); 05(M)-118-05/2018 (B) (Mahkamah Persekutuan)
The trial judge misdirected by failing to elect which presumption he relied upon (actual possession vs presumed possession under s.37(d) and actual trafficking vs presumed trafficking under s.37(da)), which affects the burden on the defence; notwithstanding that error, the court found overwhelming evidence of mens rea possession (custody/control, baggage tag, DNA match, concealment) and therefore set aside the death conviction under s.39B and substituted a conviction under s.12(2) DDA punishable under s.39A(2), imposing 10 years' imprisonment from date of arrest.