SEREMBAN: A 33-year-old babysitter claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to a charge of causing physical injury to an eight-month-old baby boy under her care.
Siti Ammira Jasni pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to her before judge Surita Budin on Wednesday (Oct 30).
The mother of four was charged with committing the offence between 8.56am and 10.50am on Oct 16 at a government quarters unit in Rembau.
She was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 which carries a jail term not exceeding 20 years or a fine of not more than RM50,000, or both, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Nurul Balkis Zunaidi then told the court that the prosecution was offering the accused bail of RM20,000 with one surety.
Counsel for the accused Haresh Mahadevan asked for a reasonable amount as Siti Ammirah's husband worked as an administrative assistant in a government department and earned RM2,400 a month.
"After the necessary deductions, he takes home only RM1,000 a month and this is used to raise their four children.
"The accused, who is pregnant, also has to take care of her mother," he said.
Haresh, who was assisted by Ramzani Idris, said the accused had also given her full cooperation to the police.
Judge Surita fixed bail at RM20,000 and ordered the accused to stay away from the witnesses.
She also told Siti Ammira to report to the nearest police station once a month pending disposal of the case.
The court then fixed Dec 6 for mention.
