Took Leng How's appeal dismissed, death term upheld for
Huang Na's murder
Took Leng How, the man who was sentenced to death for the murder of
eight-year-old Huang Na two years ago, has had his appeal
rejected.
The 22-year-old vegetable seller was found guilty of killing the
girl in October 2004, and given the death sentence after a 13-day
trial in August 2005.
He appealed against the sentence.
The Court of Appeal met a few months later, on 21 November
2005.
On Wednesday, it handed out the verdict.
But it was not a unanimous decision.
Two of the three judges - Chief Justice Yong Pung How and Judge of
Appeal Chao Hick Tin - upheld the decision of trial judge Lai Kew
Chai that the accused was not suffering from an abnormality of mind
at the time of the offence.
Therefore, Took's defence of diminished responsibility was not
granted.
The third judge, Kan Ting Chu, however felt there was a reasonable
doubt on Took's conviction for murder.
Justice Kan questioned whether Huang Na's death was caused by Took
smothering her mouth and nose or whether she died as a result of a
fit.
Took's family members and relatives, who were present in court on
Wednesday, have asked the defence lawyers to appeal to the
President for clemency. - CNA/ir
Source : Today's yahoo sg news
