[2022] SGHC 295: Public Prosecutor v. Mohamed Aliff bin Mohamed Yusoff, heard in the High Court of the Republic of Singapore.
Here is a summary:
Introduction
The accused, Mohamed Aliff bin Mohamed Yusoff, was charged with the murder of 9-month-old Izz Fayyaz Zayani bin Ahmad, the son of his then-girlfriend, Nadiah Abdul Jalil. The prosecution alleged that the accused inflicted fatal blunt force trauma to the infant’s head by pushing it against the floorboard of his van. The defense claimed the infant’s death was an accident.
Key Facts and Events
1. Relationship Background: Mohamed Aliff and Nadiah met on Instagram in 2017 or 2018 and became romantically involved in 2019. Izz was Nadiah’s son from a previous marriage.
2. Incident on 7 November 2019: The accused drove Nadiah and Izz to Wisteria Mall for dinner. Afterward, he took Izz to his house in Yishun while Nadiah went to her brother’s house. Later that night, the accused took Izz to a multistory car park in Yishun and went to a nearby supermarket, leaving Izz in the van.
3. Events Leading to Hospital Visit: The accused later picked up Nadiah, and they decided to take Izz to the National University Hospital (NUH) after he showed no signs of life. During this time, the accused suggested to Nadiah a fabricated story to explain Izz’s injuries to avoid getting into trouble.
Investigation and Trial
- Prosecution’s Case: The prosecution argued that the accused intentionally caused the infant’s fatal injuries by pushing his head against the floorboard of the van twice.
- Defense’s Case: The defense claimed the injuries were accidental, stating that Izz fell out of the accused’s arm while he was trying to close the van door.
Court Findings
1. Evidence: The court examined the testimonies from various witnesses, including police officers, medical experts, and Nadiah. The medical evidence indicated that Izz’s injuries were inconsistent with the accused’s explanation of an accidental fall.
2. Verdict: The court convicted Mohamed Aliff of murder under s 300(c) of the Penal Code, concluding that the injuries were intentionally inflicted.
Sentencing
- The accused was sentenced to life imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane. He has filed an appeal against both his conviction and sentence.
Conclusion
The case presents a detailed examination of the sequence of events, witness testimonies, and medical evidence leading to the conviction of Mohamed Aliff for the murder of Izz Fayyaz Zayani bin Ahmad. The judgment highlights the court’s reasoning in dismissing the defense’s claim of an accidental fall and establishing the intentional nature of the act.
