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Jobless hubby jailed 20 years: Pregnant doctor ‘strangled' during rough sex
Published on: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Published on: Thu, Jun 26, 2025 Text Size: He was convicted under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code which provides for a jail term of up to 30 years, and liable to a fine, on conviction. SANDAKAN: A 38-year-old was jailed 20 years for causing the death of his doctor wife who was six months pregnant at the time, while engaging in rough sex. High Court Judge Datuk Celestina Stuel Galid found Mohd Rusdi Mohd Nor guilty of culpable homicide not amounting to murder of Azma Ab Rajab, 36, a doctor, between 1am and 10am on Nov. 9, 2022 at Sri Utama Condominium in Jalan Utara, here. Azma worked at the emergency department of the Duchess of Kent hospital, here. He was convicted under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code which provides for a jail term of up to 30 years, and liable to a fine, on conviction. The court ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. Mohd Rusdi was ordered to serve jail from the date of his arrest on Nov. 9, 2022. The judge she had considered the mitigation by Mohd Rusdi through his counsel, statements from the victim's family and arguments from the prosecution on the factors that should be taken into account in handing down sentence. The Court also considered that there was no evidence to suggest that the murder was planned and there were no violent elements prior to the killing. 'The prosecution had urged the court to impose a heavy sentence but a severe punishment upon a husband and a soon-to-be father now has to live forever with the burden that not only did his wife die at his own hands, but also his unborn child,' the court said. The court also took into account that the death was accidental while having rough sex and that the deceased was a contributing factor in her own death. Counsel Datuk Ram Singh together with counsel Prem Elmer Ganasan asked for leniency, saying Mohd Rusli was remorseful and regretted such actions which happened fast and without any knowledge. Ram further submitted that it was Mohd Rusli's first offence and throughout his detention, gave full cooperation to the police. 'There were no features of strangulation and the only findings are injuries around the mouth and nose region, as well as on both sides of the neck. 'There is no evidence of quarrels during the marriage and the incident happened after five months of marriage. There was no intention to cause death,' said Ram. Deputy Public Prosecutor Risal Abd Fikkah said the death was due to asphyxia by way of smothering and was not an instant death. 'The deceased was deprived of her last breath as she was clinging for her life. 'The prosecution also would like to remind that at the time of her death, she was pregnant with her first child, also the child of the accused,' Risal said. 'She (deceased) performed all that is expected of her as a medical officer despite being pregnant. She was able to serve her husband even though she was exhausted after her long hours. 'She dedicated her life saving others but at the end was unable to save herself. The accused was also never burdened as the deceased was the sole breadwinner.' * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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