Court’s Verdict
Muhammad Wan Azhar Azman, a 20-year-old former fast food worker, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of stealing a Honda Civic and attempting to murder the vehicle’s co-owner in Putrajaya in October.
Sessions Court Judge Izralizam Sanusi found that Wan Azhar’s reckless driving had endangered the life of Mohamed Jalil Iskandar, 28, who had clung to the bonnet of the car but was thrown off and severely injured.
Wan Azhar received 10 years for attempted murder and a concurrent 4-year sentence for theft. The judge considered the social report, Wan Azhar’s request for a lighter sentence, and the victim’s ongoing medical treatment.
The Judge’s Ruling
“The victim’s injuries were severe. You could have been charged with murder if the victim had died,” said Judge Sanusi.
Wan Azhar, who was unrepresented in court, asked for leniency, claiming he had plans for the future. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Aisyah Mohamed Zanyuin asked for a maximum sentence, emphasizing the lasting impact of the crime.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on October 22 when Joshua Jeyaseelan David, 30, rented the car to Wan Azhar’s girlfriend. After she failed to return the vehicle, Joshua used a GPS tracker to find it in Putrajaya, where it was being driven by Wan Azhar.
Jalil attempted to stop the car, but Wan Azhar reversed into him, causing Jalil to cling to the bonnet for several kilometers before being thrown off. Wan Azhar was arrested on October 25 and later led authorities to the car, which was found at a public housing complex.
