Policeman jailed for killing, framing innocent man

Lawyer Ratchada Manuratchada, right, and the family of the dead speak with reporters at the Sakon Nakhon provincial court in Sakon Nakhon province Tuesday. (Photo by Pratuan Kajhonvuttinun)

The Supreme Court has upheld a jail term of seven years and six months for a policeman who killed an innocent engineer and framed him for drug charges in Sakhon Nakhon province in 2011.

On Dec 27, 2011, Pol Sen Sgt Maj Sitthikul Katiwong from the Pannanikhom police station fired several shots at the car driven by engineer Pairote Saengrit, 25, near the Sakon Nakhon campus of Kasetsart University.

A bullet hit Pairote's left ear and he was killed instantly. The two passengers in the car survived.

After the shooting, police said Pairote had drugs, resisted an arrest and tried to kill police. His family insisted he had no weapons and never got involved with drugs. The family accused police of trying to plant drugs on him.

Five other policemen were acquitted.

Late engineer Pairote Saengrit

Ratchada Manuratchada, lawyer from the Lawyers Council who represented Pairote's family, said the family would also file a civil lawsuit.

Dueansai Saengrit, Pairote's mother, said she was happy justice was done and hoped her son could now rest in peace.