Hisyam Teh part of defence team in Siti Bainun's appeal

KUALA LUMPUR: Lawyer Datuk Hisyam Teh Poh Teik will be in the team of lawyers representing Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali (pic) in her appeal in the abuse case of Down Syndrome teenager known as Bella.

High Court judge Justice Ahmad Bache was informed of the matter by lawyer Nur 'Aminahtul Mardiah Md Nor during case management of the appeal here on Monday (May 8).

The defence also informed the court that it has filed a certificate of urgency to expedite the hearing of the appeal against the Sessions Court's decision that rejected Siti Bainun's stay application.

The certificate of urgency was filed together with the appeal in light of Siti Bainun's health conditions.

The court then fixed May 18 to hear the matter.

On May 3, Sessions Court judge Izralizam Sanusi convicted and sentenced Siti Bainun to 12 years imprisonment after finding her guilty of two counts of neglect and abuse by causing Bella physical and emotional pain.

In his decision, Sessions Court judge Izralizam said Siti Bainun's defence had failed to raise reasonable doubt in the case.

Siti Bainun was sentenced to 10 years in jail for the offence of negligence and 12 years for abuse, and ordered for both sentences to run concurrently from the date of sentencing.

The court also ordered Siti Bainun to sign a five-year good behaviour bond with RM5,000 collateral in one surety as well as for the accused to serve a six-month community service with an aggregate 200 hours after completing her prison sentence.

The court also dismissed Siti Bainun's application for a stay of execution pending an appeal to the High Court.

In his dismissal, Izralizam said the defence had not shown any exceptional circumstances that could warrant a stay.