Van driver claims trial to reckless driving charge over girl's death

BATU PAHAT - A van driver pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court here today to reckless driving resulting in the death of an eight-year-old girl last Tuesday.

Nordin Ithnin, 61, entered the plea before Magistrate Arun Noval Dass.

According to the charge, the accused allegedly drove a white van recklessly, causing the death of Nur Aini Umairah Mohd Fareez, who was walking along the road in front of Sekolah Kebangsaan Seri Maimon, Parit Sulong, at about 12.30 pm on May 5.

The charge, framed under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987, provides for a maximum prison sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to RM50,000 upon conviction.

The court allowed the accused bail of RM5,000 with one surety and ordered him to report to a nearby police station once a month.

The court also ordered the suspension of the accused’s driving licence effective from the date of the charge and fixed June 25 for case mention and submission of documents

It was earlier reported that the Year Two pupil died after being struck by a van in front of the main gate of SK Seri Maimon, Parit Sulong, while walking out of the school compound.

Initial investigations found the van was leaving the school compound after delivering goods when the incident occurred.

The victim sustained severe head and internal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. - BERNAMA