KOTA BHARU — Five detainees today pleaded guilty at the Magistrate’s Court to escaping from the Pasir Mas Sessions Court lockup on June 22.

The accused — Mohd Safiuddin Hanif Mohd (38), Muhamad Norshamzee Mohd Noresan Shargawi (32), Mohamad Akmal Mohd Zahari (31), Mohd Haris Zakaria (37), and Muhammad Alif Izham Hussim (23) — admitted to escaping lawful custody, an offence under Section 24 of the Penal Code read with Section 34.

They also face a second charge under Section 457 for breaking into a home shortly after their escape, stealing a woman’s mobile phone in Kampung Kubang Bongor.

Additionally, Mohd Safiuddin is charged under Section 332 for injuring a police officer during the escape.

Deputy public prosecutor Syazalia Che Suhaimi opposed bail, noting ongoing drug cases for four of the accused and a past lockup escape for one. Lawyer Nur Amira Mat, representing the men via the National Legal Aid Foundation, appealed for minimum bail due to their low incomes and family responsibilities.

The court denied bail and fixed August 13 for case re-mention.