KUALA LUMPUR: Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali will remain in jail after the High Court today rejected her appeal against her conviction of abuse and neglect of her Down Syndrome adopted daughter, Bella, three years ago.
Judge Datuk Noorin Badaruddin upheld the Sessions Court decision that convicted Siti Bainun, 32, to 12 years' jail in May last year.
"This court finds no reason to disturb the findings of the Sessions Court judge's conviction and sentenced meted out on the appellant (Siti Bainun). It is safe and maintained.
"The judge did not err in his decision. This appeal is dismissed," she said in her ruling.
Proceedings are on-going.
On March 7, the court heard all submissions from the prosecution and defence regarding the appeal filed by Siti Bainun against her conviction and sentence.
On May 3 last year, Sessions Court judge Izralizam Sanusi sentenced Siti Bainun to 12 years jail after finding her guilty of abusing and neglecting Bella.
Izralizam sentenced Siti Bainun to 10 as well 12 years of jail for neglecting and abusing Bella.
He ordered Siti Bainun to begin serving the sentences concurrently.
He also sentenced Siti Bainun to sign a good behaviour bond for five years, with one surety and RM5,000 collateral under Section 31(2)(a) of the Child Act 2001.
Siti Bainun was also ordered to serve 200 aggregate hours of community service within six months after her jail term ends.
Izralizam rejected Siti Bainun's application for a stay of execution of the sentences, which was submitted right after the sentences were delivered.
He rules that there were no special circumstances that would permit grant to the application.
MORE TO COME