Thursday, December 13, 2012

Pre-trial conference for ex-SMRT bus drivers set for 19 Dec

Pre-trial conference for ex-SMRT bus drivers set for 19 Dec
By Sara Grosse | Posted: 12 December 2012 1417 hrs

SINGAPORE: The four ex-SMRT bus drivers from China charged with instigating an illegal strike in late November were back in court on Wednesday.

Their lawyers told the court that they need more time to take full instructions from their clients as the men were only released on bail on 6 December.

The four lawyers are acting for the former SMRT bus drivers on a pro-bono basis.

Mr Peter Low, whose client He Jun Ling faces two charges, said two of the lawyers involved in the case were approached by a non-governmental organization here.

A pre-trial conference date for 19 December has been set.

But lawyers said this is not an indication that their clients will claim trial.

There are three options on the table at the moment - to claim trial, plead guilty, or make representations to the Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) to reduce the charges.

A pre-trial conference will also ensure that the judge has more time to consider the specific needs of each case and administer directions.

The drivers are out on bail and their passports have been impounded.

The remaining two drivers - Gao Yue Qiang is being represented by Ms Tan Wen Hsien from Rajah and Tann while Wang Xian Jie is being represented by Mr Derek Kang from Rodyk and Davidson.

He is out on bail of S$20,000 while the rest are out on bail of S$10,000 each. Their passports have been impounded.

- CNA/ck

- wong chee tat :)


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