Model Ngoc Trinh was released from court.
Considering that model Ngoc Trinh showed remorse, committed the crime for the first time, and has been involved in many social activities, the court decided to sentence her to one year in prison but suspended the sentence, releasing her immediately at the court.
After half a day of trial, at noon on February 2nd, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court announced its verdict against model Ngoc Trinh and driving instructor Tran Xuan Dong.
According to the panel of judges, based on the documents and arguments presented at the trial, there is sufficient basis to conclude that Tran Thi Ngoc Trinh, without wearing protective gear, performed dangerous and offensive actions while operating a large-displacement motorcycle, such as lying or kneeling on the seat, and letting go of the handlebars to allow the motorcycle to move on its own.
Tran Xuan Dong ran behind, performing dangerous acts.
The defendants' actions violated public order and traffic safety, causing social disorder.
Furthermore, the defendant Trinh also filmed and distributed videos on her personal accounts. These videos received exceptionally high engagement, causing negative impacts on society and adversely affecting the awareness, lifestyle, and cultural behavior of young people.
The defendant, Tran Xuan Dong, knew that the vehicle registration certificate was fake but still bought and used it.
By the time of their arrest, the defendants had committed the crime twice, constituting multiple offenses. However, they showed remorse. Defendant Trinh was involved in many social activities; defendant Dong's family had contributed to the revolution and had a history of being a war martyr.
Taking into account mitigating circumstances, the defendant Trinh has a clear place of residence, therefore a prison sentence is not imposed on her.
Based on the above reasons, the Panel of Judges decided to sentence the defendant Tran Thi Ngoc Trinh to 1 year in prison but suspended the sentence, with a probationary period of 2 years, for the crime of "Disrupting public order," and release her immediately at the court.
Defendant Tran Xuan Dong was sentenced to 1 year in prison for "Disrupting public order" and 6 months in prison for "Using forged documents of an agency or organization". The combined sentence for both crimes is 1 year and 6 months in prison.
Defendant Tran Xuan Dong.
Regarding Nguyen Thi Thuy Kieu (Ngoc Trinh's assistant) and some others who filmed videos for the defendant Trinh, their actions did not constitute a crime, so the investigative agency's decision not to prosecute them is appropriate.
Ngoc Trinh has been detained since October 19, 2023.
Earlier, given the opportunity to speak her final words, Ngoc Trinh stated: “The defendant lacked awareness and has paid the price with the wounds and scars on her body. Especially during the past three months of detention, the defendant has realized her mistakes and is deeply remorseful. I hope the court will consider reducing my sentence. Through this, I also apologize to those who have been affected because of me.”
