Teen admits attacking mentally retarded brother

[metalball]

Jun 22, 2011

Teen admits attacking mentally retarded brother

By Elena Chong

A TEEN, originally facing a capital charge of murder, pleaded guilty on Wednesday to an amended charge of causing grievous hurt to his mentally retarded brother more than a year ago.

Umar Othman, 19, had punched, kicked and stomped on his older brother, Muhammad, 22, at their flat in Tampines on May 5 2010.

The court heard that Umar came home that afternoon and had to pry open the bicycle chain to get in. He found his brother agitated, pacing the living room and muttering to himself. Shortly after, he heard Muhammad calling the police, alleging that Umar was beating him.

Umar took the phone and explained that his brother was mentally unstable and thus had problems articulating himself. Before the patrol car came, Muhammad left the flat but was told to return. Still agitated, Muhammad abused Umar. Both started punching and wrestling each other to the ground.

Umar admitted to stomping Muhammad on the stomach and kicking him several times. When Muhammad tried to get up, Umar stopped him by kicking him on his left rib cage. Muhammad, who was groaning, was subsequently pronounced dead at 3.58pm.

Community Court judge Soh Tze Bian postponed sentencing to next month, pending probation and reformative training reports. The offence is punishable with up to 10 years, fine or caning.

 

[youallhumsup]

Teenager who caused brother's death given probation
By Shaffiq Alkhatib | Posted: 01 September 2011 1636 hrs

A 19-year-old student who caused the death of his mentally handicapped elder brother more than a year ago was given three years' probation on Thursday. -- ST PHOTO: WONG KWAI CHOW

SINGAPORE: Hari Raya is sweeter for Umar Othman and his family after the district court sentenced him on Thursday to three years' probation.

Umar was originally charged with murder, a capital offence. But this was later amended to voluntarily causing grievous hurt, a less serious crime. He had assaulted his 22-year-old mentally-unstable brother who died following the attack on May 5 last year.

The 19-year-old student could have been jailed up to ten years and fined, or caned for assaulting his brother, Muhammad Othman.

Umar fell to his knees and said a short prayer shortly after leaving the courtroom. About 15 of his friends and family members, who turned up in court to support him, crowded around the teenager to shake his hand and some were seen wiping away tears of joy.

His parents looked on silently.

Umar, the third of four children, had punched, kicked and stomped on his brother, Muhammad in their flat at Block 159 Tampines Street 12.

Muhammad was said to be prone to violent mood swings, and during these outbursts would destroy property and physically assault his loved ones.

A scuffle broke out between the two brothers after Umar came home from school that day.

Police officers who later arrived at the flat found Muhammad lying near the front door with a bloodied face. He had suffered multiple injuries and paramedics pronounced him dead at around 4pm.

Before Umar was sentenced, his lawyer, Subhas Anandan, urged District Judge Soh Tze Bian to grant his client probation, stressing that the teenager has a supportive family.

The judge agreed and noted that the youngster deserves a chance given the circumstances of the case. But he warned the small-sized teenager that he will not be given a second chance if he were to re-offend in the future.

Umar's father, 55-year-old lecturer Othman Mohd Ali, told reporters outside the courtroom that he is very happy with the outcome.

Umar was all smiles when members of the media approached him, thanking his school, teachers as well as fellow schoolmates for their support.

On top of the 36-month probation, Umar must perform 240 hours of community service. His parents had also to post a bond of S$5,000 to ensure his good behaviour.

-CNA/ac