Youth accused of causing Kg. Ayer fire

Roslan bin Usop @ Mohd Yusof.

An unemployed 23-year-old youth, Roslan bin Usop @ Mohd Yusof, who has been accused of being responsible for setting fire to 11 houses in Kampong Ayer, was produced in court yesterday before Chief Magistrate Hairolarni bin Abd Majid.

The defendant is presently facing life imprisonment under a charge of committing mischief by setting fire to the 11 water village houses on June 5, Deputy Public Prosecutor Suhana binte Hj Sudin told the court.

On June 3, the accused was fined $500 for stealing a 60 hp boat at house No: 131, Kampong Peramu. He was given until June 10 to settle the fine. It was alleged that the accused had been unable to raise the cash and in a state of confusion, the defendant allegedly burned the houses knowing that it would cause destruction.

In the court yesterday, DPP Suhana made an application for the defendant to be sent for observation at the Mental Health Unit in RIPAS Hospital for a period of two weeks. The defendant will be sent for observation to assess his mental state and to decide whether he is fit to stand trial.

Urine and blood samples have been taken and the laboratory results are still pending. Police investigation are also still incomplete, DPP Suhana informed the court.

The accused will therefore, be further remanded at the Central Police Station until the next mention on July 4.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin