The High Court dismisses the prosecution’s appeal, upholding the acquittal of Zayn Rayyan’s father on child neglect charges
SHAH ALAM: The father of murdered autistic boy Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin remains a free man after the High Court dismissed the prosecution’s appeal against his acquittal.
Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, 31, was cleared after the prosecution withdrew its appeal against a Sessions Court decision last year.
Lawyer Haresh Mahadevan said the prosecution filed a Notice of Withdrawal of Appeal and did not wish to proceed.
“The High Court Judge subsequently dismissed the public prosecutor’s appeal,” he stated.
The proceedings before Judge Suriyati Hasimah Mohd Hashim were attended by Deputy Public Prosecutor Ainul Mardiyah Mohd Ali.
On July 21 last year, Sessions Court Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh acquitted Zaim Ikhwan, finding the prosecution failed to prove a prima facie case.
However, the court ordered Zayn Rayyan’s mother, Ismanira Abdul Manaf, to enter her defence on the same charge.
The couple were charged with neglecting their son in a manner likely to cause physical harm in Damansara Damai between December 5 and 6, 2023.
They were charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a maximum 20-year jail term or an RM50,000 fine.
On October 31 last year, Ismanira was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison.
Her application to stay the sentence pending a High Court appeal was rejected.
