KOTA KINABALU: A woman was fined RM20,000 in default three months’ jail after she was found guilty of abusing a six-year-old girl under her care.
Sessions Court judge Noor Hafizah Mohd Salim also ordered Sabarria Sazali, 31, to be put on a good behaviour bond for two years as well as to perform 50 hours of community service within six months.
The court delivered the verdict here yesterday after finding the prosecution had proven its case.
Sabarria was accused of causing physical and emotional injury to the child between March 2019 and Feb 27, 2020 at a house in Tuaran district, about 40km from the state capital.
According to the charge sheet, Sabarria was a person entrusted with the duty of taking care of the child.
She was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides for a maximum 20-year jail term, a fine of up to RM50,000 or both, upon conviction.
Sabarria was the sole witness for the defence while seven witnesses were called by the prosecution during the trial.
Lawyer Adelia Adnan sought leniency for her client, saying that Sabarria was, among others, a first-time offender besides having expressed remorse.
The court was also told that Sabarria had to look after her uncle, who is disabled, and her grandmother.
Deputy public prosecutor Dacia Jane Romanus urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence, considering that the case was of public interest and involved a minor.
It is learnt that Sabarria failed to pay the fine.
