Babysitter jailed for child abuse

KEMAMAN: A babysitter was sentenced to five years in prison by the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday for abusing an infant under her care.

Asmayuzi Ismail @ Abdul Wahab, 33, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Badrul Munir Mohd Hamdi, to committing the offence on a seven-monthold baby boy at her house in Kemaman, Terengganu between 7.30 am and 10.20 am on April 27, 2017.

The charge under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 carries a maximum fine of RM20,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 10 years, or both, on conviction.

In mitigation, the babysitter told the court that she abused the child because she had been feeling depressed and worried about her health after contracting HIV from her husband two years ago.

However, deputy public prosecutor Syazwani Zawawi urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence considering the serious injuries suffered by the victim.

“The doctor who treated the baby at Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital Kuantan, Pahang, stated in the medical report that the victim suffered various complications as a result of the abuse.

“The victim suffered epilepsy, blood clot in the brain and bleeding in the left eye. The victim also lost the ability to shift his body by himself and could not focus on objects in front of him. He is still being treated for the injuries he suffered.”