Court sentences 9 men behind Suphoth robbery
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The mastermind and seven accomplices involved in robbing alleged "corruption money" from former permanent secretary for Transport Suphoth Sublom were convicted and sentenced by the Criminal Court yesterday.
Singthong Jaichomchuen was convicted for masterminding the robbery of Bt18.12 million in cash from Supoth’s home on February 12, 2011. He was initially given 18 years in jail, but his sentence was commuted to 12 years, as his testimony was useful to the trial.
Singthong and eight other suspects were first arraigned in court on February 9, 2012. The other suspects are Saokaew Namwong, Somboon Riyathe, Boonsueb Jomkun, Wutthichai Phanthawaree, Wanankrit Butkunha, Praphan Riangkrua, Chayathat Jannachai and Wassana Saphersup.
The court ruled that a witness’ account showed the nine suspects had hidden the stolen cash from February 12 to November 23, 2011 before they were arrested. Saokaew and Somboon were convicted for planning the robbery with Singthong. They were initially given a 12-year term, but it was commuted to nine after they confessed.
Boonsueb, Wutthichai, Wanankrit and Wassana were convicted of accepting the stolen cash and were sentenced to five years in jail. However, Boonsueb and Wanankrit’s term was halved after their confession, while Wutthichai and Wassana’s term was commuted to three years and four months.
Chayathat was convicted for supporting the robbery and initially sentenced to 12 years in jail, which was commuted to eight years on grounds that he provided useful testimony.
The court acquitted Praphan giving him the benefit of doubt, but he is being detained pending an appeal.
The robbery has also prompted the National Anti-Corruption Commis-sion to launch a graft probe against Supoth.
