K Darmaraju was charged under Section 42(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 after sideswiping a motorcycle carrying a middle-aged couple on the PLUS Highway last Saturday.

The section provides for imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of between RM5,000 and RM15,000.

Darmaraju was also fined RM12,000.

Magistrate Khairunnisak Hassni ordered Darmaraju to serve six months in prison if he did not pay the fine.

The incident occurred before the city-bound Jalan Duta toll plaza at 2.30pm on May 10.

According to the facts of the case, the victims – a rider and passenger – were travelling on the left lane when the accused struck their motorcycle from behind.

He then fled the scene without stopping.

Both victims suffered serious injuries, including bone fractures. The pillion rider also sustained injuries to the head, a broken ankle, and a fractured rib.

During mitigation, the accused’s lawyer, S Vinesh, said his client had no intention of committing the accident. He said his client also regretted the incident and had apologised to those involved.

“He has promised not to repeat this mistake,” he said.

Vinesh asked for the minimum sentence, citing his client’s RM2,500 monthly salary as a salesman and his marriage last year.

He also said his client was financially responsible for his elderly parents, and that his father had an upcoming eye surgery.

The court then ordered Darmaraju to serve 30 days in jail starting from his arrest on May 11, and fined him RM12,000.

He was also disqualified from holding a driving licence for five years.