Penang Woman Sentenced To 10 Years' Jail For Splashing Hot Water At Man With Down Syndrome
The court found the act serious, cruel, and inhumane, especially without provocation.
By May Vin Ang — 23 Apr 2024, 04:58 PM
A woman in Penang has been sentenced to 10 years in prison and a RM6,000 fine, in default 12 months' jail, after she was caught splashing hot water at a man with Down syndrome, causing hurt to the victim
According to Bernama, judge Ahzal Fariz Ahmad Khairuddin handed down the sentence on 39-year-old Oo Saw Kee after she pleaded guilty to the offence at the Penang Sessions Court today, 23 April.
She was charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt to 33-year-old A Solairaj inside the lift of an apartment at Jalan Rajawali, Bayan Lepas at 9.24am last Friday, 19 April.
The offence comes under Section 326 of the Penal Code, which provides imprisonment for up to 20 years, a fine, and whipping upon conviction.
Oo was ordered to serve the jail sentence from today.
In his judgment, Ahzal Fariz said the court found what Oo did was serious, cruel, and inhumane against a disabled person, especially without provocation
The judge said the court shared the sentiments of the public, as Oo's act was caught on video and widely criticised on social media.
He added that the sentence imposed on the accused should serve as a reminder to others never to repeat such acts against persons with disabilities (OKU).
Lawyer Edric Loo, who acted pro bono for Oo, pleaded for a minimal jail sentence as she earns only RM1,500 monthly as a sales promoter
However, according to the New Straits Times, deputy public prosecutor Mohd Nordin Ismail pressed for a heavy sentence, saying that the offence committed by Oo was "very serious and cruel" as both the accused and the victim lived in the same apartment block but did not know each other.
Mohd Nordin added that the victim suffered burns on the back of his body, shoulders, and neck, and is still receiving treatment at the hospital.
"Just imagine the pain he is going through, and the permanent scars left by the burns," he said.
