Padawan woman jailed three years over newborn baby’s death

Court - DayakDaily.com file pic. // Photo: Pixabay

By Dorcas Ting

KUCHING, Feb 23: A 28-year-old woman was sentenced to three years in prison by the Sessions Court here after admitting to causing the death of her newborn son.

Holinesilla Felly pleaded guilty to a charge of infanticide under Section 309A of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 309B. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine, at the court’s discretion.

Judge Musli Ab Hamid handed down the sentence.

The case stemmed from an incident at a house along Jalan Padawan at about 7am on Oct 27, 2025.

According to the facts presented in court, Holinesilla went to the Emergency Unit of Serian Hospital seeking treatment for abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding, which she initially described as gastric discomfort.

During examination, a medical officer discovered placental tissue in her genital area, indicating that she had recently given birth.

Upon further questioning, she admitted to delivering a baby boy earlier that morning. She told the doctor that the infant had shown no signs of life at birth. She subsequently placed the baby in a backpack and left it in her bedroom.

Medical assessment determined that the pregnancy had reached full term, estimated between 37 and 39 weeks.

Holinesilla said the baby was her first child and claimed she had been unaware that she was pregnant. She also did not inform any family members about the delivery.

In mitigation, counsel Chan Shu Ping of the National Legal Aid Foundation appealed for a lighter sentence, submitting that her client had suffered heavy blood loss and dizziness at the time, leaving her confused and unsure of what to do.

Deputy public prosecutor Ruvinasini Pandian represented the prosecution. — DayakDaily