Father & son escape the gallows , Latest Others News - The New Paper
News

Father & son escape the gallows

This article is more than 12 months old

It is the best news she has heard.

Madam Guo Shu Lan is hugely relieved that her husband, Mo Yi Hong, 56, and son, Wei Qiang, 28, will not be facing the death penalty after all.

Both men will have their charges amended to causing death by negligence after initially being charged with murder following the death of an alleged robber who broke into their single-storey house in Negeri Sembilan.

The 52-year-old Singaporean woman told The New Paper that Malaysian police contacted her yesterday about the development.

Said Madam Guo in a telephone interview yesterday: "It's a huge relief and a huge load off my chest.

"The murder charge will be amended and they will not face the death penalty.

"Of course, we are happy. Now we can concentrate on this charge and we will fight it out in court."

In the early hours of Feb 24, Madam Guo and her husband, a chef, were ambushed just as they were returning home after buying supper.

A masked figure grabbed her sling bag as she was about to enter her home.

Mo was joined by his son, who woke up after hearing his mother's screams. They managed to subdue Mr Chen Wen Bao, who was allegedly attempting to rob Madam Guo with a parang.

Madam Guo was hurt and received 25 stitches on her arm.

Mr Chen's accomplice managed to flee.

Mr Chen was later found dead with his hands and legs bound.

The family's lawyer, Mr Gobind Singh Deo, told The Straits Times yesterday that the case will be re-mentioned in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, tomorrow.

MINOR

The amended charge will be under Section 304(A), "a far more minor charge compared to murder which carries the death penalty", Mr Godind said.

It carries a maximum jail term of two years and a fine.

Meanwhile, the news was equally welcomed by Wei Qiang's former colleagues, like Mr Jaroson Tey, 28.

"We feel quite relieved, but it's far from over," Mr Tey told TNP yesterday.

He has known Wei Qiang for two years as a colleague in a telco.

Mr Tey added: "We have been raising awareness on social media and money for the family's court fees."