AN Australian businessman was today fined RM5,000 in default of five months’ jail by the Kuala Lumpur magistrates’ court for again driving under the influence of alcohol.

Magistrate Puteri Nursheila Rahimi imposed the sentence on Benjamin Simon Casha, 47, after he pleaded guilty.

The court also ordered that his driver’s licence be suspended for two years.

Casha was charged with committing the offence in Jalan Bangsar at 11.15pm on June 15.

The charge is under Section 45A(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, which provides for a maximum fine of RM6,000 with a possible jail term of up to 12 months upon conviction.

Prosecuting officer inspector Abdullah Khazali urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence as it is Casha’s second offence.

The accused, who was unrepresented, apologised and appealed for a minimum fine. – Bernama, July 22, 2020.