Killer at 14; gallows at 34

At 14, he was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to eight years’ jail.

On Wednesday, 20 years after the first crime, jobless M. Vijayakumar was sentenced to the gallows for murdering 30-year-old lorry driver M. Kesavan in Kg Dato’ Mohd Said near Seremban, Negri Sembilan.

The offence was committed outside a Chinese temple between 2pm and 6.30pm on Feb 2, 2004.

Judicial Commissioner Datuk Ahmad Nasfy Yasin, in sentencing Vijayakumar to hang, said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

“There were many inconsistencies in your testimony. The prosecution, on the other hand, did a thorough job and convinced the court with its findings.

“The testimonies by the witnesses also point to the fact that you attacked the deceased which eventually resulted in his death,” he told Vijayakumar.

According to the facts of the case, Kesavan was having a drink with two others outside a Chinese temple in the village when the accused arrived on a motorcycle.

He had an argument with the deceased and a scuffle broke out. Vijayakumar, who had brought a parang with him, then slashed Kesavan on the face.

Vijayakumar initially told the court that he did not take any weapon with him when he went to meet Kesavan.

However, he changed his story after witnesses said he had brought it along with him.

“You also claim to be mentally disturbed but this was never supported with the relevant medical reports. Checks by the prosecution also showed that you were of sound mind when the alleged murder took place,” he said.

Ahmad Nasfy said the accused’s claim that he merely went to meet Kesavan and his friends after they had allegedly threatened to kill him earlier in the day did not make sense.

“You said that several men including the deceased came to your house and began shouting that they would slash you.

“But why did you go to meet the deceased and his friends ... why would someone want to surrender to the so-called enemy?” he asked.

Ahmad Nasfy said Vijayakumar also failed to show proof that he sustained injuries after being allegedly attacked by the deceased and his friends.

“Also, the evidence put before me shows that there was no sudden or grave provocation from the deceased,” he said.

Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin prosecuted while K. Veni appeared for the accused.

- Sitiemilia , Singapore.