Why were bail applications for the Lahad Datu teens denied?

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Bail Denied for Lahad Datu Teenagers Due to Lack of Special Circumstances and Premature Application

The High Court denied the bail application for seven teenage boys charged with murder, citing a lack of special circumstances to justify bail and deeming the application premature as the case had not yet been transferred to the High Court. The prosecution further argued that the applicants did not meet the criteria for bail under the Child Act and that educational needs could be met within the prison system, while also raising concerns about potential witness tampering.
Application Deemed Premature and Lacking Special Circumstances

Justice Datuk Duncan Sikodol ruled that the bail application was premature because the case had not yet been transferred to the High Court, where such applications could be formally considered. Furthermore, the judge found no special circumstances presented that would warrant granting bail to the seven accused teenagers.
Prosecution's Arguments Against Bail

The prosecution contended that the applicants did not qualify for bail under the provisions of Section 84 of the Child Act. They highlighted that the vocational college director confirmed the applicants could no longer continue their Vocational Certificate programme. However, the prosecution noted that education could still be pursued as private candidates for the SPM examination, with the prison department willing to facilitate this in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.
Concerns Over Witness Tampering and Familiarity with Crime Scene

A significant argument presented by the prosecution was the risk of tampering. It was emphasized that the case involves multiple witnesses and that the crime scene itself was familiar to the applicants. This familiarity, coupled with the presence of numerous witnesses, was cited as placing both the witnesses and the crime scene in a vulnerable position.
Case Background and Next Steps

The 13 teenage boys, aged between 16 and 19, are jointly charged with the murder of 17-year-old Mohammad Nazmie Aizzat Mohd Narul Azwan. The alleged murder occurred at the Lahad Datu Vocational College between 9pm on March 21 and 7:38am on March 22. The charge is framed under Section 302 of the Penal Code, read with Section 34 of the same Act. The Lahad Datu Magistrate Court has scheduled June 27 for the next mention of the case.

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Why were bail applications for the Lahad Datu teens denied?

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