IPOH: A senior police officer was sentenced to seven years and six months’ imprisonment by the High Court here after pleading guilty to an amended charge of causing the death of 17-year-old student Muhammad Zaharif Affendi Muhd Zamrie in 2023.
Judge Datuk Bhupindar Singh Gurcharan Singh Preet ordered Deputy Supt Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak to serve his sentence from Dec 15, 2023, the date of his arrest.
The court also ordered Mohd Nazri to pay RM50,000 in compensation to the victim’s father, Muhd Zamrie Zainal Abidin, 58, failing which he will serve an additional year in prison.
Under the amended charge, Mohd Nazri was accused of causing the death of Muhammad Zaharif, 17, knowing that his act was likely to cause death, near SMK Jati here between 11.55am and 12.32pm on Dec 15, 2023, Bernama reported.
The offence falls under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum jail term of 10 years, a fine, or both.
During mitigation, defence counsel Datuk M. Athimulan said his client wished to convey his deepest sorrow, regret and condolences to the victim’s family.
He said Mohd Nazri, a father himself, deeply regretted the loss of a young life and never intended to cause harm or death.
Athimulan said his client had no previous criminal convictions or police records and had never faced disciplinary sanctions throughout his adult life.
The court was also told that Mohd Nazri was the sole breadwinner and primary caregiver for his family.
“The accused has suffered immensely. He has lost his career, reputation, public standing and peace of mind. He is deeply humbled, remorseful and ready to serve whatever lawful sentence deemed fit,” he said.
However, DPP Afzainizam Abdul Aziz urged the court to consider the gravity of the offence, public interest and the need for a deterrent sentence.
He also proposed a compensation of RM50,000 for the boy’s family under Section 426 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Muhd Zamrie, in his victim impact statement, described his son’s death as a tragedy that had left a profound and lasting impact on the entire family.
He said Muhammad Zaharif was only 17 and had a bright future ahead of him, with opportunities to pursue his ambitions, build a career and share his life with his family.
“As a father, there is no greater sorrow than losing one’s own child. My family and I are still struggling to come to terms with the reality that the son we raised with such love is gone forever.
“This loss has not only taken my son’s life, but it has also stripped away a part of our family’s happiness and hope,” he said.
Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, the family’s watching brief lawyer, Mirza Muhaimin Zaidi, said they did not intend to appeal the decision at this stage, considering that Mohd Nazri had pleaded guilty.
