The district judge later amended the charge to remove those clothes and Ms Parti was not convicted over the accusations involving the disputed clothes.
However, the judge convicted Ms Parti over other charges of theft and sentenced her to 26 months’ jail. This was overturned by the High Court on appeal, with Ms Parti acquitted of all charges.
Investigations into Karl began after the High Court judge noted that Karl was a witness “who was not only lacking in credibility but also did not take the process of giving testimony seriously”.
Both the prosecution and the defence asked for the maximum fine of S$5,000 for Karl, who was sentenced to probation in 1993 for charges including theft.
SENTENCING SUBMISSIONS
Deputy Public Prosecutor Kelvin Chong said that Karl had lied to the court under oath and knew the harm Ms Parti would suffer if convicted based on his testimony.
However, Mr Chong also said there was no evidence of malice or premeditation. He added that the prosecution was “mindful” that Karl suffers from Parkinson’s disease, which affects the impact a jail term would have on him.
“This is another factor that we have taken into consideration in calibrating our sentencing position,” said Mr Chong.
Karl’s lawyer, Mr Adam Maniam from Drew & Napier, said his client was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 41, three weeks before giving evidence in Ms Parti’s trial.
Karl was stressed and anxious when giving evidence in the trial as he feared people would notice his hand tremors and his condition made public.
After Ms Parti was acquitted, Mr Liew Mun Leong announced that he was retiring from his public service and business roles with Changi Airport Group, Surbana Jurong, Temasek Foundation and Temasek International.
She failed in trying to get the prosecutors in her case investigated for alleged misconduct, as well as a compensation order.
The High Court dismissed her application, saying she had not succeeded in proving that the prosecution against her was frivolous or vexatious. Instead, there was sufficient evidence at the start of proceedings such that there was a case fit to be tried before the court.
Ms Parti has since returned to Indonesia.