SEREMBAN: A mother of four, who gave birth and raised her youngest child in jail pending her drug trafficking trial, has been freed by the High Court.
R. Devaki, who was five months’ pregnant when she was detained for the alleged offence in 2021, said she would never forget the advice of the High Court judge to be extra careful when making new friends.
Earlier, judge Datin Rohani Ismail, in acquitting Devaki, ruled that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against her.
“After perusing evidence by both parties and conducting a comprehensive assessment, the court hereby finds that the prosecution has failed to prove the charge against the accused,” the judge said.
Devaki, 34, was charged with trafficking 237.8g of cannabis at a house in Bandar Dataran Segar in Port Dickson around 7.30pm on Aug 4, 2021.
She was charged under Section 39B(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and punishable under Section 39B (2) of the same legislation which carried the death sentence.
Rohani advised Devaki to take good care of her children and herself.
Devaki delivered her fourth child while incarcerated at the Sungai Udang prison in Melaka.
The boy, who was also brought to the court complex, is now 17 months old.
Devaki was represented by Haresh Mahadevan and Ramzani Idris while DPP Sharifah Maleeha Syed Hussin prosecuted.
When met outside the court, Devaki said the first thing she wished to do was to offer prayers for her release.
“I am sad that my son was born when I was in prison, but at least I am free now.
“Also, I will never forget the judge’s advice (to be careful when making new friends),” she said.
She also thanked the court for giving her an earlier date for her case than scheduled.
According to the facts of the case, police found the drugs buried in the backyard of Devaki’s rented home during a raid.
However, she denied having any knowledge about the drugs. Her husband then was working abroad. The couple has since divorced.
