A lawyer pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here Monday to committing criminal breach of trust (CBT) in connection with the purchase of a double-storey house costing RM402,500 last year.

Mohd Haidar @Hasmayuyudin Mohd Hashim ,45, who is paralysed and wheel-chair bound, made the plea after the charge was read out before judge Azman Ahmad.

He was charged, as an agent or lawyer at Messrs. Mohd Haidar.

Mohd Haidar was jointly charged with Ahmad Ansor Muhd Rivai Batubara, 45, who is a partner in the legal firm.

However, Ahmad Ansor did not attend the court proceeding and the court issued a warrant for his arrest, following an application by the prosecution, represented by deputy public prosecutor S.Malini Anne.

The office was allegedly committed at Messrs. Mohd Haidar.

The charge, under Section 409 of the Penal Code, provides an imprisonment for up to 20 years and with whipping, and shall also be liable to fine, if found guilty.

Mohd Haidar, who told the court that he became paralysed since June last year, was allowed bail of RM10,000 in one surety and to surrender his passport to the court.

The court fixed Aug 22 for mention.

--BERNAMA