Teen claims trial to causing death of younger brother over car seat

The 17-year-old suspect (right) arriving at the court with her mother. - THOMAS YONG/The Star

JOHOR BARU: A teenage girl has been charged at a Magistrate's Court here with causing the death of her younger brother at their home in Kampung Ulu Pulai, Iskandar Puteri, last week.

The 17-year-old accused pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to her before Magistrate Zuhainie Zull Kafli on Wednesday (Oct 26).

According to the charge sheet, the accused caused the death of her 16-year-old brother and was aware that her actions might cause his demise.

The offence was allegedly committed at their home at Jalan Mini Stadium, Kampung Ulu Pulai, at 1.50pm on Oct 19.

ALSO READ: Death over a car seat: Teen throws knife, killing brother in Johor

The eldest of five siblings was charged under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code for causing death by negligence, which provides a maximum jail term of 10 years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

The case was prosecuted by Johor state prosecution director Tengku Amir Zaki Tengku Abdul Rahman and deputy public prosecutor Hayatul Wirdah Mohd Yunos.

The accused was represented by Abd Rahim Ali, Jihad Syahida Nadia Zakaria and Nur Zafirah Norizan.

During the proceedings, the prosecution had requested bail to be set at RM10,000. However, the defence counsel in mitigation requested a lower bail as the accused is a teenager without any source of income.

"She is just a teenager (and is not) a flight risk. The court should also consider her parents' income and the fact that the accused will be taking her STPM exam next year," said Abd Rahim when met outside the courtroom.

The court set bail at RM10,000 with one surety and told the accused to report to the nearest police station every month.

The court also set Dec 5 for next mention.

The accused posted bail.

On Oct 19, a scuffle between two siblings ended in tragedy when one died from injuries caused by a knife.

Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst Comm Rahmat Ariffin said the incident took place at around 2.15pm.

"According to the victim’s mother, the victim fought with his sister over a seat in the car on the way home from school," he said in a statement.

ACP Rahmat added that the suspect admitted throwing a knife at the victim after being mocked when entering their house.