KUALA LUMPUR, July 31 — A former lawyer pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to criminal breach of trust involving RM426,800 which belonged to his clients six years ago.

Lee Cheng Theng, 56, is charged with committing the offence on a married couple, Yue Leong Siew, 60, and wife, Ong Chiu Gek, 54, at the Taman Midah branch RHB Bank Berhad, Jalan Midah 1, Cheras here on October 18, 2007.

The charge, under Section 409 of the Penal Code, carries a maximum imprisonment for 20 years and whipping and is also liable to fine, if found guilty.

Deputy public prosecutor Haderiah Siri, who prosecuted, offered bail at RM50,000 in one surety, but lawyer S. Ramesh, representing Lee, in asking for a lower bail, said his client was the family sole breadwinner and had two children, who were still studying, to support.

He said Lee had also been charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court and was allowed bail of RM35,000, and his passport surrendered to the court.

Judge Murtazadi Amran the allowed Lee bail of RM30,000 in one surety and also ordered him to report to the nearest police station on the first week of every month.

The court set August 30 for mention.

Last Monday, Lee was charged in the Shah Alam Sessions Court with three counts of CBT, involving more than RM260,000. — Bernama