By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Dec 19: A Sessions Court here sentenced a 30-year-old man to eight years’ imprisonment after he violently assaulted his father with a wooden stick, causing serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.
The accused, identified as Kyrie, was diagnosed with schizophrenia. During the proceedings, he revealed that moments before the assault, he had damaged his father’s vehicle after claiming he saw an oversized mosquito on it, an act which subsequently escalated into violence.
Judge Musli Abdul Hamid imposed the sentence after considering a psychiatric assessment that confirmed the accused was mentally fit to stand trial.
Kyrie had earlier pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 326 of the Penal Code, an offence punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment and which may also carry a fine or corporal punishment.
According to court documents, the incident occurred at the family home in a village in Krokong, Bau, at about 7.50am on July 9. At the time, the 56-year-old victim was inside the house when he heard repeated banging noises coming from outside.
Upon checking, he discovered that his Perodua Viva had been dented on the driver’s side. Although he initially spoke calmly to his son, the situation quickly deteriorated when the accused reportedly flew into a rage, grabbed a wooden stick and struck his father several times.
The victim sustained severe injuries to his head and arm, as well as fractures to two toes. He was treated at Bau Hospital before lodging a police report.
Police arrested the accused on the same day. Investigations found that the attack was deliberate and resulted in serious injuries that endangered the victim’s life.
In sentencing, Judge Musli declined to impose whipping due to the accused’s mental illness. He also advised the accused to consistently take his medication and to participate in rehabilitation programmes available during his incarceration.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Asmawi Nur Haqim Mokhtar conducted the prosecution. The accused was unrepresented. — DayakDaily
