‘Popcorn gunman” sentenced to 37 years in jail
The Criminal Court Thursday sentenced the man known as the “popcorn gunman” to more than 37 years in jail for murder and attempted murder as a result of a high-profile incident during a “Bangkok Shutdown” rally in 2014.
Wiwat, or Top Yodprasit, 25, was also found guilty of possessing guns and ammunition without permission, carrying guns and ammunition in public places without permission and carrying guns in areas under an emergency decree.
The court sentenced him to life imprisonment but commuted it to 37 years and four months on the grounds that he confessed to the crimes during the police investigation, although he maintained his innocence during the trial.
On February 1, 2014, the day before the general election, Wiwat was among a number of people who arrived at the Lak Si intersection at Bangkok’s Lak Si district.
Wiwat fired shots at the IT Square shopping centre, killing Akae Sae Liew and seriously wounding Sombun Sakthong and Nakarin Utsaha.
When Wiwat fired the shots, pictures showed him wearing a balaclava with the gun concealed by a large corn bag except for the top of the barrel.
Police later released a picture of him with the balaclava removed and showed it to his brother, who confirmed the picture was of Wiwat.
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