Kota Kinabalu: A 32-year-old woman was ordered placed under a bond of good behaviour for two years as well as to perform community service for 50 aggregate hours and fined RM20,000 in default three months’ jail for abusing a child who was under her care.
Sessions Court Judge Noor Hafizah Mohd Salim made the order for Sabarria Sazali, after ruling that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, Wednesday.
The court ordered Sabarria to undergo the community service within a period not exceeding six months from the order.
For the good behaviour bond, Sabarria was released on a sum of RM2,000 in a surety.
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The charge stated that Sabarria was the person responsible to take care of the child.
The offence, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, provides for a jail term of up to 20 years, or a fine of up to RM50,000, or both, upon conviction.
The prosecution had called seven witnesses during the prosecution stage while the defence only called a witness.
During mitigation, counsel Adelia Adnan who defended Sabarria, asked for a minimum fine to be imposed, saying that it was Sabarria’s first offence and that she was sick.
Adelia also informed the court that Sabarria is taking care of his disabled uncle and grandmother.
However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Dacia Jane Romanus urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence as she had committed a serious offence against a child who was under her care.
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