KUALA LUMPUR: The Sessions Court has sentenced Siti Bainun Ahd Razali to 12 years in jail after she was found guilty of neglect and abuse involving Down Syndrome teenager named Bella.
Sessions Court judge Izralizam Sanusi meted the sentence here on Wednesday (May 3) after hearing submissions from both parties on sentencing, shortly after he delivered the guilty verdict.
ALSO READ: Bella case: Siti Bainun found guilty of neglect and abuse charges
For the first charge involving negligence, Izralizam sentenced Siti Bainun to 10 years in jail.
For the second charge involving abuse, the Rumah Bonda founder was sentenced to 12 years in jail.
"Both (jail terms) are to run concurrently from the date of sentencing," Izralizam said.
Earlier, the court heard from Siti Bainun's lawyer Mohammad Farhan Maaruf who sought for a minimal sentence on grounds that his client has an elderly mother to take care of.
He said Siti Bainun, 31, is now self-employed and takes orders for cakes that she bakes with her sister.
Mohammad Farhan said Siti Bainun had never missed a court date without reason and asked the court not to impose imprisonment.
"A long prison time would not punish the accused but it would punish her mother who is dependant on her.
"We also believe if the accused is imprisoned, our current prison facility could not cater for a person of her accord, of her physical being," the lawyer said, referring to Siti Bainun's health conditions.
ALSO READ: Bella abuse case: Siti Bainun's ex-friend burst into tears when she saw Bella, court hears
He said the court's finding has shown that justice has been served and suggested that prison time could be replaced with a fine instead.
Meanwhile, Deputy Public Prosecutor Zahida Zakaria pushed for a heavy sentence, saying that the full weight of the law should come down on those who deliberately cause harm on a child.
She said there were burn wounds and multiple scars almost all over Bella's body.
"This was physical pain inflicted on Bella... not only this pain was permanent on her body, she was also inflicted with emotional pain," the prosecutor said.
DPP Zahida said the court must consider the interest of the public more than the accused.
She added that the accused had abused the trust that was given to her by neglecting and abusing Bella, and thus negating the fact that she was a child activist and a first time offender.
The court now stands down to prepare for submissions on Siti Bainun's application for stay of execution.
