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Couple get suspended RI, fine for threatening Judicial officer
Kandy Additional Magistrate Sirinith Wijesekera sentenced a husband and wife to four-years rigorous imprisonment, suspended for five years, and a fine of Rs 8,500 or a six-month jail term in lieu, for threatening the Kandy Chief Magistrate in Katugastota.
The suspects were also severely warned by the Additional Magistrate. He said their act of threatening a judicial officer in a public place was unacceptable. He said that he was taking into consideration their Counsel’s plea in mitigation.
Defence Counsel Sunil Weerakoon, in mitigation, said the couple were going to the Sri Dalada Maligawa with their child, as it was her birthday. This unfortunate situation was never intended and as they had pleaded guilty, a lenient punishment be served on the young couple as first offenders, adding that any punishment should not hinder their employment.
Senior Attorney and Bar Association President, Nilantha Perera appearing with the Police for the aggrieved party, told Court that his client was not seeking any compensation, but people cannot go about threatening people, more so when they know that they are Judicial Officers. However, as they have pleaded guilty, a deterrent punishment is needed.