Policeman enters innocent plea (no suprise...)

[rickfarang]

"He said he drew his pistol and shot Lloyd in a fit of fury after the Briton spat in his face during an argument..."

 

A reminder to us all to remain jai yen in all situations.

 

 

-start of article-

 

Thai policeman enters innocent plea in killing of British tourists

KANCHANABURI: -- A Thai policeman accused of gunning down a young British tourist couple pleaded innocent to murder and weapons charges on Thursday, the prosecuting attorney said.

Sgt. Somchai Visetsingha is accused of killing Adam Lloyd, 25, and Vanessa Arscott, 24, on Sept. 9 in the popular tourist town of Kanchanaburi, about 110 kilometers (70 miles) west of the capital, Bangkok.

On Wednesday, the state prosecutors' office brought four charges against Somchai: premeditated murder of Lloyd, killing Arscott with intent to conceal evidence, possession of an unlicensed gun, and carrying a weapon in a public place without permission.

Somchai pleaded innocent to all charges in the provincial court Thursday, prosecutor Worawit Pankanaratworachai said.

The murder charges carry a maximum penalty of death.

When he spoke to the police and media immediately after his arrest, Somchai admitted killing the two tourists.

He said he drew his pistol and shot Lloyd in a fit of fury after the Briton spat in his face during an argument, but that he had not intended to kill Arscott, whom he unknowingly drove into as she tried to stop him from fleeing. After dragging her body for about 200 meters (660 feet), he said he stopped his car and shot her in his panic to escape.

Somchai eluded a massive manhunt for nearly a month, but surrendered to police on Oct. 7.

He was granted bail pending formal charges in court.

Somchai had petitioned the court to have the charges against him downgraded to killing in self-defense and killing without intent _ charges that do not carry the death penalty.

 

-end or article-

[spirit_of_town_hall]

Does the Thai penal code have an equivalent of manslaughter?

 

This guy obviously has no coscience.

 

STH