Senior police officer jailed for seven years and six months over student's death

IPOH - A senior police officer was sentenced to seven years and six months' imprisonment by the High Court here today after pleading guilty to an amended charge of causing the death of student Muhammad Zaharif Affendi Muhd Zamrie in 2023.

Judge Datuk Bhupindar Singh Gurcharan Singh Preet ordered Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak to serve the sentence from Dec 15, 2023, the date of his arrest.

The court also ordered Mohd Nazri to pay RM50,000 in compensation to the victim's father, Muhd Zamrie Zainal Abidin, 58, failing which he would serve an additional year in prison.

Under the amended charge, Mohd Nazri was accused of causing the death of Muhammad Zaharif, 17, knowing that his act was likely to cause death, near Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Jati here between 11.55am and 12.32pm on Dec 15, 2023.

The offence falls under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum jail term of 10 years, a fine, or both.

During mitigation, defence counsel Datuk M. Athimulan said his client wished to convey his deepest sorrow, regret and condolences to the victim's family.

He said Mohd Nazri, who was also a father, deeply regretted the loss of a young life and had never intended to cause harm or death.

Athimulan said his client had no previous criminal convictions or police records and had never faced disciplinary sanctions throughout his adult life.

He added that Mohd Nazri had dedicated the best years of his life to serving the King, country and public as a senior officer in the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), rising to the rank of DSP.

The court was also told that Mohd Nazri was the sole breadwinner and primary caregiver for his family.

"My Lord, the accused has suffered immensely. He has lost his career, reputation, public standing and peace of mind. He stands before Your Lordship deeply humbled, remorseful and ready to serve whatever lawful sentence Your Lordship deems fit,” he said.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Afzainizam Abdul Aziz, meanwhile, urged the court to consider the gravity of the offence, public interest and the need for a deterrent sentence, given that the victim had lost his life as a result of the accused's actions.

He also proposed compensation of RM50,000 for the victim's family under Section 426 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

Muhd Zamrie, in his victim impact statement, described his son's death as a tragedy that had left a profound and lasting impact on the entire family.

He said Muhammad Zaharif was only 17 and had a bright future ahead of him, with opportunities to pursue his ambitions, build a career and share his life with his family.

"As a father, there is no greater sorrow than losing one's own child. To this day, my family and I are still struggling to come to terms with the reality that the son we raised with such love is gone forever.

"This loss has not only taken my son's life, but it has also stripped away a part of our family's happiness and hope,” he said.

Muhd Zamrie expressed hope that the case would receive the serious attention it deserved and serve as a reminder of the value of human life, so that similar incidents would not recur.

"I hope that an incident like this will not happen again, and that no other parents will have to endure the suffering and sorrow that we are currently going through,” he said.

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom, the family's watching brief lawyer, Mirza Muhaimin Zaidi, said they did not intend to appeal the decision at this stage, considering that Mohd Nazri had pleaded guilty.

Earlier, the court ruled that a prima facie case had been established against Mohd Nazri under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code, following which the charge was amended and he entered his guilty plea.

Mohd Nazri had initially been charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which provides for the death penalty or imprisonment of up to 40 years. Where the death penalty is not imposed, the law also provides for at least 12 strokes of the cane. - BERNAMA