Model Ngoc Trinh released in court

After half a day of trial, at noon on February 2, the People's Court of Ho Chi Minh City announced the verdict for model Ngoc Trinh and driving instructor Tran Xuan Dong.

According to the panel of judges, based on the documents and arguments at the trial, there is sufficient basis to conclude that Tran Thi Ngoc Trinh did not wear helmet and drove a large-displacement motorbike with dangerous and offensive movements such as lying down, kneeling on the saddle, letting go of both hands to let the motorbike run on its own...

Tran Xuan Dong ran behind, performing dangerous acts.

The defendants' actions violated public order and traffic safety, causing social disorder.

In addition, defendant Trinh also filmed and distributed videos to personal accounts. These videos received particularly large interactions, causing negative impacts on society, negatively affecting the awareness, lifestyle and behavioral culture of young people.

Defendant Tran Xuan Dong knew the vehicle registration certificate was fake but still bought and used it.

Up to the time of arrest, the defendants had committed the crime twice, which is considered a case of multiple offenses. However, the defendants have repented. Defendant Trinh has many social activities; defendant Dong’s family has contributed to the revolution and has martyrs as relatives.

Applying mitigating circumstances, defendant Trinh has a clear place of residence so no prison sentence is applied to the defendant.

Based on the above reasons, the People's Court decided to sentence defendant Tran Thi Ngoc Trinh to 1 year in prison but with a suspended sentence, a 2-year probation period for the crime of "Disturbing public order", and release her immediately in court.

Defendant Tran Xuan Dong received a 1-year prison sentence for “Disturbing public order” and a 6-month prison sentence for “Using fake documents of agencies and organizations”. The total sentence for both crimes is 1 year and 6 months in prison.

Defendant Tran Xuan Dong.

For Nguyen Thi Thuy Kieu (Ngoc Trinh's assistant) and some people who filmed the video for defendant Trinh did not constitute a crime, so it is appropriate for the Investigation Police not to prosecute these people.

Ngoc Trinh has been detained since October 19, 2023.

Before that, when given the last word, Ngoc Trinh stated: “The defendant lacked awareness, the defendant had to pay the price with the wounds and scars on his body. Especially, during the past 3 months of detention, the defendant realized his mistakes and was very remorseful. I hope the panel of judges will consider reducing his sentence. Through this, the defendant also apologizes to those who were implicated because of him.”