A psychiatric report for a teen charged with murdering a schoolmate is due on Jan 16, needed before a plea can be taken in the High Court.
PETALING JAYA: The Magistrate’s Court has set January 16 for the submission of a psychiatric report on a teenage boy charged with murdering a 16-year-old schoolgirl.
Magistrate Amira Sariaty Zainal granted the defence an extension to obtain the report from Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta in Perak.
Lawyer Kitson Foong said medical officers required more time for a full assessment of the juvenile.
“The assessment includes interviews with his family and a review of his behavioural history at home and school,” Foong told reporters.
He added that his client was not present in court as he remains under treatment and assessment at the hospital.
The case was mentioned in camera due to the accused being a juvenile offender.
Foong emphasised the report is critical to determine his client’s level of understanding before a plea is taken.
“He is currently in a stable condition and showing positive development in rehabilitation,” the lawyer stated.
The boy is accused of killing his schoolmate at a Bandar Utama secondary school on October 14.
He was charged with murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code on October 22.
The charge carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years.
If the death penalty is not imposed, the accused also faces up to 12 strokes of the cane.
No plea was recorded as a murder charge falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Deputy public prosecutor Syed Ahmed Khabir Abdul Rahman appeared for the prosecution. – Bernama
