Court warns accused in child abuse case against harassing witnesses

New Straits Times

8 hours ago

SUNGAI PETANI: A private tahfiz school operator currently on trial for allegedly abusing a child was sternly warned by the Sessions Court here today against harassing witnesses.
Judge Azman Abu Hassan issued the warning to the accused, Shahril Bani Mansor, 42, as well as to his family members and associates, instructing them not to contact or approach the witnesses by any means.
The warning came after deputy public prosecutor J. Banusha informed the court that the mother of one of the witnesses had lodged a police report, alleging that the accused's second wife had photographed her family's car and shared it with a third party.
"If you, your family or your friends disturb the witnesses again, I will not hesitate to order the police to conduct a thorough investigation," Azman said.
"The court may also revoke your bail and detain you under remand pending trial. Is that what you want?"
Shahril denied any knowledge of the incident, prompting the judge to summon his second wife, Ismaliza Ismail, who was seated in the public gallery, to explain herself to the court.
Ismaliza admitted to communicating with a third party who had asked whether the accused intended to settle the case out of court.
"I told the person that it wasn't possible because the case is already being heard in court. Yes, I did take a photo of the witness's family car because someone from their side had recorded a video of us and shared it with a third party," she said.
Following the explanation, judge Azman reiterated his warning to the accused and his family, cautioning them against any further interference with witnesses.
He also reminded both the accused and the families of the witnesses not to entertain any offers from third parties to resolve the matter outside of court.
"There is no such arrangement. Do not believe anyone who claims otherwise. Once a case is before the court, it cannot be settled by a third party.
"All communications regarding the case must be made directly with the deputy public prosecutor or the defence counsel. There is no room for third-party intervention."
Counsel Aqbal Shiffuddin Adnan Sallehudin, representing the accused, appealed to the court not to revoke his client's bail, stating that Shahril did not know his wife's actions.
"The accused understands the seriousness of interfering with witnesses. I respectfully request that the court allow the bail to stand," he said.
Azman allowed the bail to continue, but with a stern warning, and fixed Nov 26 and 27 for the trial.
In March, Shahril Bani was charged with abusing one of his students. The operator of the tahfiz centre in Bedong pleaded not guilty when the charge was read before Azman.
According to the charge, Shahril, who had custody of a 12-year-old boy, allegedly neglected the child, resulting in physical injuries.
The offence was purportedly committed at 7.25am on April 1, 2024, at Maahad Tahfiz An-Nur Centre.
He is charged under Section 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a penalty of up to RM50,000, a maximum of 20 years' imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.
Shahril was released on RM3,000 bail pending trial.