Makiyo and Tomoyori Given Suspended Sentences

Makiyo and Tomoyori Given Suspended Sentences

Sources: All Taipei newspapers

April 27, 2012

The Taipei District Court yesterday handed down a ruling in the aggravated assault case against entertainer Makiyo and her Japanese friend Taketeru Tomoyori on the night of February 2, involving a local taxi driver, surnamed Lin. The ruling stated that Makiyo and Tomoyori had no premeditated intent to cause serious injuries, so the court gave Tomoyori a one-year sentence, suspended for four years, and Makiyo a ten-month sentence, suspended for three years. The court also placed both defendants under probation.

Being placed under probation means that Makiyo and Tomoyori are required to routinely report to local probation officers. Since they are both Japanese nationals, the probation order raises the question of whether or not they would be banned from leaving the country. Therefore, after the ruling becomes final, a prosecutor would decide whether to order their deportation in lieu of probation.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office on February 10 had formally indicted Makiyo and Tomoyori for aggravated assault and sought imprisonment of four years for Makiyo and 6 years for Tomoyori, who was also indicted for criminal coercion. However, the panel of judges ruled that the beating did not result in the taxi driver’s suffering from permanent injuries, so they amended the charges from aggravated assault to simple assault.

The Taipei District Prosecutors Office stated that after receiving the written ruling, it would study the grounds given to amend the charges and decide whether or not to file an appeal. Upon learning of the verdict, the taxi driver’s wife replied, “people should forgive each other whenever they can,” but stressed that they would consult their attorney as to whether or not to file an appeal.

The February 2 incident occurred after Tomoyori, Makiyo and two other female friends hailed Lin's taxi for a ride to a hotel. Makiyo was asked by the driver to fasten her seatbelt, but she refused and an argument ensued. Makiyo kicked the cab’s rear door after she got out of the taxi, leading to physical confrontation. The taxi driver was seriously injured and remained hospitalized in an intensive care unit for 8 days. He still suffers from dizziness and numbness in his hands, and is unable to return to work as a taxi driver.

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