Awie fined RM2,000 for hurting ex-wife

Rock singer Awie was fined RM2,000 by the Magistrate's Court here today, when he pleaded guilty to hurting his ex-wife, Rozana Misbun, two years ago.

Magistrate Husna Dzulkifly meted out the sentence after Awie changed his plea to guilty to an amended charge under Section 323 of the Penal Code which provides for a maximum jail term of one year, or a fine of up to RM2,000 or both upon conviction.

Previously, Awie, whose real name is Ahmad Azhar Othman, 48, was charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code, which is punishable under Section 326A of the Penal Code and carries a maximum jail term of two years, or a maximum fine of RM4,000, or both, if convicted.

He was charged with causing hurt to Rozana, 38, in front of a PNB counter in Jalan Tun Razak here at 3pm on June 2, 2014. The trial was set for today.

"Yes, I plead guilty," said Awie, who was wearing a grey coat and jeans, after the amended charge was read out to him.

The court also ordered the Wings' lead vocalist be jailed for two months if he failed to pay the fine. Awie paid the fine.

In mitigation, Awie's counsel, Hazman Harun requested the court to set a minimum fine for his client, on the grounds that Awie had changed his plea to guilty and saved the court's time, before the prosecution witnesses were called in.

Hazman said Awie could not contain his anger at the time as he was disappointed upon learning that savings of more than RM100,000 set aside for his children's future was reduced to a mere RM230.

"Awie has repented, he has promised not to repeat the act," said the lawyer, adding that the singer was currently main benefactor of his five children's education.

DPP Ahmad Zikri Jaafar, however, urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence, taking into account a number of factors, including Awie's role as a husband (during the incident), whereby, he should have been responsible and protected the wife, but instead acted otherwise.

"Apart from that, the victim not only suffered (physical) pain, but also the trauma and embarrassment caused in the presence of the public.

"The accused is a celebrity who is well-known among the people, he has a responsibility to behave well and set a good example for the community," he said.

On March 7, the Ampang Magistrate's Court acquitted Awie of a charge of injuring Rozana at a house in Taman Ukay Bistari, Ukay Perdana, Hulu Kelang after the couple agreed to settle the case with a RM10,000 compound, and a public apology from Awie.