IPOH: A teacher of a private kindergarten was charged at the magistrate's court here today with neglecting a four-year-old boy who died due to drowning in the pool in April.
S. P. Esther Christina, 58 however, pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to her before Magistrate, Jesseca Daimis.
According to the charge sheet, the woman, as the person having the care of V. Thanes Nair, had neglected the boy without proper supervision and care for an unreasonable period.
The offence was allegedly committed at the Centro Club's swimming pool, Jalan Seri Klebang 2, Bandar Baru Seri Klebang at about 10.20am on April 17.
The charge falls under Section 33(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 which carries a maximum fine of RM20,000 or a maximum of five years jail, or both upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Syahirah Azahar proposed a maximum bail to be imposed on the accused.
Lawyer, Gary Xavier representing Esther however pleaded for RM2,000 bail as his client had just lost her husband three months ago leaving her as the breadwinner in the family. She also earns RM2,200 monthly and needs to support her 80-year-old mother.
"My client has given good cooperation throughout the investigation and there is no risk that she will leave the country," he said during mitigation.
The court then set RM2,500 bail with one surety and fixed Aug 23 for mention.
The boy's mother, D. Nilaveni, 40 who was seated in the courtroom with her family members was seen crying while hugging a customised bolster with her son's picture on it.
She even put on a cap, a green and white striped t-shirt and a pair of brown short pants believed to be her son's attire on the customised bolster.