Federal court overturns Sudanese's conviction for murder of girlfriend's daughter

PUTRAJAYA: A Sudanese's conviction for the murder of his girlfriend's three-year-old daughter in 2009 was set aside by the Federal Court here Monday.

A five-member panel headed by Court of Appeal president Tan Sri Md Raus Sharif ruled unanimously in favour of former student Mohannad Taha Ismail's appeal.

Delivering the verdict, Justice Md Raus said: "The evidence before us is not safe to uphold the decision.

"Thus, we allow the appeal and set aside the conviction," said Justice Md Raus.

Mohannad, 29, had appealed against the decision of a Shah Alam High Court, which sentenced him to death after finding him guilty of murdering Aaliyah Ayman Hussin Abdullah.

He was charged with committing the offence at the Venice Hill Condominium between 7.30pm and 8.30pm on Oct 12, 2009.

The court was packed with his family members and friends.

Outside the courtroom, they were seen crying and hugging each other after the decision was delivered.