KUCHING: A nanny claimed trial at the Sessions Court here today to a charge of negligence involving a four-month-old infant.
The 41 year old, however, pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court Judge Mursyida Abdul Halim to an offence under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
She was charged with, being a person having the care of the four-month-old child, acting negligently in a manner likely to cause physical injury to the infant boy.
The offence was allegedly committed at about 7:00 am on June 18, at a house near Batu Kawa Resettlement, Jalan Batu Kawa, Kuching.
The charge carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, or imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.
During the proceedings, the prosecution applied for the accused’s passport to be revoked pending disposal of the case.
The defence, in response, submitted that the court still retained the discretion to grant bail as the offence, although non-bailable, did not prevent the court from considering bail.
Judge Mursyida subsequently granted bail at RM10,000 deposited with one local surety.
The accused was also ordered to report to the police station once a month until the disposal of the case.
The court fixed August 10 for mention of the case for pre-trial case management.
Deputy Public Prosecutor, Marvin Kaliyani, appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was represented by counsel, Russell Lim.
The case was investigated by Inspector Awang Iswandi Awang Mahmuddin.
In a previous news report, the then Padawan Police Chief, Supt Mohd Irwan Hafiz Md Radzi, confirmed the woman was arrested after the child’s mother lodged a police report, alleging that the woman abused the baby boy.
“The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. The suspect has been remanded for four days,” he said.
It is believed that the baby was injured while in the care of the nanny, resulting in brain bleeds and frequent seizures.
Meanwhile, speaking to local reporters at the time, the baby’s mother said the incident came to light on June 18.
She explained that her twin babies usually spend the night at the nanny’s home and are picked up the next morning.
