Ex-national football skipper claims trial to trespassing in woman's hotel room

In a recent incident reported in Petaling Jaya, a former captain of the national football squad has appeared in court on charges of criminal trespass. Ahmad Shahrul Azhar Sofian, 49, pleaded not guilty to the charge during his trial at the Magistrate’s Court on Monday (July 10).

The alleged incident took place on June 21, when Ahmad Shahrul is said to have entered the hotel room of a 36-year-old woman in Kelana Jaya without permission. This act led to him being charged under Section 448 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum of three years imprisonment or a fine of up to RM5,000, or both, upon conviction.

Prosecutor Siti Maryam Jamilah Md Kamal has offered a bail amount of RM6,000, requesting the court to impose an additional condition that Ahmad Shahrul does not disturb the victim and prosecution witnesses until the case is disposed of.

Ahmad Shahrul’s lawyer, Datuk Suraj Singh, has requested a lower bail amount, emphasizing that his client has no prior court cases and is supporting his wife and seven children. Suraj Singh argued that bail should not be punitive before the start of the trial, highlighting that Ahmad Shahrul did not abscond or run away when he received the court summons.

Considering the circumstances, the court has granted bail at RM2,000 along with the additional condition. The case is scheduled for mention on September 18.

Earlier, on June 24, the police released a statement regarding the arrest of a former national footballer following a report filed by the victim. The victim’s husband expressed gratitude on social media for the assistance provided to his wife before his arrival at the scene.