9 YEARS’ JAIL FOR CAUSING DEATH
Man had repeatedly punched driver for not picking up niece
CRANE operator Mohd Fifi Md Yousoff was sentenced to nine years’ jail yesterday for causing the death of a van driver, whom he had beaten up for failing to pick up his niece from a religious school.
His mother, pregnant wife, siblings and niece cried as Sessions Court judge Suzana Hussin handed down the sentence.
After court was adjourned, Fifi was brought to meet his family from the court’s temporary holding cell.
Family and friends hugged him, and he sought forgiveness and blessings from his mother before hugging her.
Fifi pleaded guilty to causing the death of Mohd Izhharuddin Nordin in Jalan Sungai Udang, here, at 6.40pm on Feb 3, last year.
He was charged under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Fifi, 31, repeatedly punched Izhharuddin, 24, for not picking up his niece from a religious school in Jalan Hassan.
The victim had earlier picked up students from the religious school and thought that the girl had already gone home.
Suzana, in sentencing Fifi, said he had to repent and change.
“I hope the sentence will bring justice to all.”
Defence counsel Abdul Halem Mohd Husin, in seeking a lenient sentence for his client, said Fifi had regretted his actions and had sought forgiveness from the parents of the deceased.
“He is 31, married, and his wife is expecting their first child.
“He had no intention to cause death to Izhharuddin. After punching the victim, he returned to make peace with him.”
The victim’s mother, Haliza Ahmad, told the court that her family had suffered emotionally and in their business after the death of her son.
“He was a good son, and a tremendous help to us and our business.
“I hope the court imposes a fair sentence on the accused.”
Deputy public prosecutor Siti Fatimah Yahya requested the court to impose a deterrent custodial sentence, saying the crime committed by the accused was a serious offence.
“He had repeatedly punched the victim, and that had eventually caused his death.
“Life is irreplaceable.
“At the end of the day, the public’s interest should outweigh that of the accused.”
Suzana ordered Fifi’s sentence to start yesterday.