Security guard found guilty of killing Nurul Huda

JOHOR BARU: The High Court yesterday imposed the death sentence on security guard Mohd Abbas Danus Baksan for murdering 10-year-old Nurul Huda Gani. 

In passing the sentence, Judicial Commissioner K.P. Gengadharan Nair said:  

“You have snuffed out the life of a young, innocent little girl just to satisfy your lust.  

“I hereby find you guilty and convict you of the charge,” he said at the conclusion of the trial of Mohd Abbas, who had earlier been convicted of raping the girl. For that offence, he was given the maximum sentence of 20 years' jail and 24 strokes of the rotan. 

FOUND GUILTY: Mohd Abbas (centre) being escorted to the Johor Baru High Court Friday.--STARpic by ABDUL RAHMAN EMBONG.

The judge, who took about 40 minutes to read his draft judgment, said the only sentence he was allowed to pass “is the sentence of death.”  

Nurul Huda’s brutal rape and murder sparked public outrage and prompted various parties, including the Government, to launch campaigns against vicious crime. 

Mohd Abbas, 46, was charged with the murder of Nurul Huda at the Tenaga Nasional sub-station guardhouse in Kampung Pekajang, Gelang Patah, between 9.20am and 1pm on Jan 17. 

Gengadharan Nair said he was satisfied that the defence had failed to raise a reasonable doubt in respect to the charge. 

Mohd Abbas, clad in a pair of white trousers and a light-blue shirt, had a court interpreter explain to him the judgment in Tamil.  

He held his head down throughout the proceedings and did not show any emotion when the interpreter told him that the court had found him guilty and had sentenced him to death. 

The 21-day trial saw 26 people being called as witnesses and 29 items produced as evidence. 

The case was prosecuted by DPPs Abdul Rasid Sudin and Nordin Ismail while Hanif Hassan represented Mohd Abbas. Mohamed Zaini Mazlan and Mohamad Harmy Yusof held a watching brief for the victim’s family. 

Abdul Rasid said the only punishment that should be meted out on Abbas was death, pointing out that he had nine other previous convictions, including that of raping Nurul Huda, armed robbery, house break-ins and theft. 

Hanif, in mitigation, told the court that Mohd Abbas had never been to school and was illiterate, adding that his parents had died and he lived alone. 

Nurul Huda: Was raped and murdered

“He has never been involved in any organised crime and worked as a security guard and a labourer to earn a living.”  

The court, which began its session at 3pm yesterday, was packed with the victim’s family members, including father Gani Juni, mother Zainon Abu Bakar, brother Amer Affendi, sisters Nor Aien Azlynah and Norashikin and members of the public. 

The public gallery was calm when the sentence was read out and it was only when the court was adjourned that emotions began to rise and tears flowed. 

An emotional Gani and Amer left the courtroom immediately with several relatives who comforted them. 

Hanif said that his client would appeal against the sentence. 

Related story:Family still grieving over Nurul Huda’s death