The appellate court in Putrajaya has fixed Feb 13, next year to hear an application by two brothers, convicted over an arson attack on the Metro Tabernacle Church, for extension of time to file their petition of appeal.

A three-member panel headed by Low Hop Bing set the date after deputy public prosecutor Azlina Rasdi informed the court that their petition of appeal filed on Nov 18, this year was filed out of time.

Azlina said the petition was filed two months, 24 days late. She said the record of appeal was filed on Aug 24, this year.

Lawyer Salim Bashir, representing Raja Muhammad Faizal Raja Ibrahim and Raja Muhammad Idzham, said he was appointed their counsel on Nov 15, this year and had filed the petition of appeal, three days later.

He said he had no knowledge when the records of appeal were served to the previous lawyer who represented the duo at the High Court.

Low, who sat on the panel with Abdul Malik Ishak and Clement Allan Skinner, adjourned the hearing of the brothers’ appeal which was scheduled today.

Despatch rider Raja Muhammad Faizal, 25, and Raja Muhammad Idzham, 23, a bank employee, were each sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after they were found guilty by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court on Aug 13, last year for causing mischief by torching the church at Jalan 4/4C, Desa Melawati at 11.50pm on Jan 7, last year.

They were charged along with several others still at large.

On May 27, this year, the duo lost in their appeal to set aside their conviction and jail term after the High Court upheld the decision of the Sessions Court.

Raja Muhammad Faizal and Raja Muhammad Idzham were allowed bail of RM20,000 each by the Sessions Court, pending disposal of their appeal.

On July 30, last year, a friend of the brothers, Azuwan Shah Ahmad, 24, who was jointly charged with them, was freed by the Sessions Court, without his defence being called.

- Bernama