A Filipino who was arrested for alleged illegal work failed to convince the High Court yesterdday, Friday, that he be allowed to post bail because he was suffering from depression.
On further questioning by Judge Alex Lee, defendant Jim
Pascual, who appeared to be in his ‘30s and distraught, said he wanted
temporary liberty because he needed to sort out some problems with family and
friends.
Pascual said he was ready to face trial for the
charges brought against him, and promised to report regularly to the Yau Ma Tei
Police Station if allowed to post bail.
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| PINDUTIN DITO |
He also said he was willing to do some community
work, but Judge Lee said his visa conditions prevented him from taking up work,
whether paid or unpaid.
The judge earlier said Pascual, a recognizance paper
holder, was charged with illegal work by the Immigration Department after he
was found working in a restaurant, in breach of his visa conditions.
When asked how he could support himself if he is
allowed bail, Pascual said he receives financial support from his family and
friends, as well as from social welfare.
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| TAWAG NA! |
Judge Lee eventually declined the bail application,
saying there was a big risk Pascual would abscond, given his lack of local ties,
and the fact that the evidence against him was strong.
But the judge told Pascual that he is presumed
innocent before trial, and has the right to apply for bail, unless there is
acceptable ground to believe he would abscond.
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| PINDUTIN DITO |
He suggested the applicant wait until May 7, when he
is due to return to court for the hearing of his case, and during which the trial
date should be fixed. If the trial is not set before the third quarter of the
year, he could go back to court and try to apply for bail again.
But again, the judge said bail could only be granted if there is enough ground to support the application.
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