©The Star (Used by permission)
by QISHIN TARIQ
GOMBAK: A teenager who threw her newborn out of a second floor window was jailed 12 years by a Sessions Court here.
Noor Atika Kamarulzaman, 19, who was initially quiet, broke down in her mother’s arms after she was led out of the docks.
She had pleaded guilty on Jan 12 to causing the death of her child at B7–2 Taman Selayang Segar 2, between 3.30am and 7.15am on Oct 3 last year.
“Investigations revealed that the baby was still alive when the accused threw it out of the second storey window.
“Suitable punishment should be meted out for this cruel crime,” said DPP Rohaiza Hamzah, in requesting a deterrent sentence.
A post–mortem report confirmed that the baby’s death was due to blunt force trauma to the head.
The offence under Section 309A of the Penal Code, is punishable under Section 309B of the same Act and carries a maximum 20 years in jail and a fine, upon conviction.
As Noor Atika was a minor at the time of the offence, a social report was presented by the Welfare Department before she was sentenced.
Welfare Officer Mohd Sabry Ahmad requested that Noor Atika be given a lenient sentence as she was working to support her family.
The eldest of five siblings, Noor Atika was undergoing training at a restaurant to supplement the family income, as her 72–year–old stepfather only earned RM400 a month.
“The accused is still young and has the potential to turn around her life, thus we recommend the court consider sentencing her to a good behaviour bond,” Mohd Sabry said.