Zayn Rayyan neglect trial: Mother ordered to enter defence, father acquitted of charges
Sessions Court judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh made the order on Ismanira Abdul Manaf after a maximum evaluation of the evidence and exhibits in the case.
Her co-accused and husband Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, however, was acquitted of the charge.
On April 24, the prosecution closed the case after calling 28 prosecution witnesses throughout the 20-day trialwhich began on Feb 4.
Among the prosecution witnesses called to testify were the first person to find Zayn Rayyan's body, Faizul Najib Abd Munaim, Auni Afiqah Abas who was Zayn Rayyan's caregiver, forensic medical consultant Dr Rohayu Shahar Adnan, three investigating officers and two 10-year-old child witnesses.
The prosecution was conducted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin, Aqharie Durranie Aziz and Nur Sabrina Zubairi, while lawyers Haresh Mahadevan, Ramzani Idris and Lavanesh Haresh represented both accused.
Zaim Ikhwan and Ismanira, both aged 30, were charged with neglecting Zayn Rayyan in a manner likely to cause physical harm to the victim in the vicinity of Block R, Idaman Apartment, Damansara Damai up to the nearby river area between noon on Dec 5 and 9.55pm on Dec 6, 2023.
They were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment or a fine of RM50,000 or both, if convicted.
Zayn Rayyan, 6, was reported missing on Dec 5, 2023, and his body was found the next day in a stream near his house.
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