Son of retiree killed in killer-litter case forgives teen

His mother died after a bicycle wheel (above) hit her head last year.

Madam Mahani Abdullah, 67, was walking home near Block 1, Eunos Crescent when the killer litter landed on her.

The retiree suffered injuries to her spinal cord and brain and was rushed to Changi General Hospital. She died of sepsis (blood poisoning) from a urinary tract infection about a month later.

Despite this, Mr Jazman Abd Aziz, 35, said that he has forgiven the teenager involved in the case.

The executive at a freight-forwarding company told reporters that he forgave Abdul Hamid Rahmat, 16, so that he himself can have "some peace of mind".

But he added: "No, I will not speak to him."

Yesterday, Abdul Hamid was put on probation for three years.

He had, on Dec 1 last year, pleaded guilty in court to three counts of performing rash acts - causing grievous hurt in two of them and endangering human life in the third.

Two other charges for similar offences were taken into consideration during sentencing. (See report on facing page.)

During the three years' probation, he has to spend a year in the Singapore Boy's Hostel.

District Judge Lim Keng Yeow said the teenager must also be accompanied by an adult at all times whenever he is outside his hostel and home.

His mother and stepfather were bonded for $8,000 to ensure his good behaviour and he must stay indoors between 9pm and 6am every day.

Abdul Hamid, who has to perform 200 hours of community service, also has to undergo psychiatric and psychological treatments, and attend counselling sessions.

When told that Mr Jazman had forgiven his son, Abdul Hamid's father, Mr Rahmat Samani, 57, told The New Paper that he is relieved that the younger man had decided to do so.

The gardener said that he and the teenager's mother had a divorce about 15 years ago and he is now married to another woman.

He has a 13-year-old son with his new spouse and said his ex-wife is Abdul Hamid's main caregiver.

The slim, soft-spoken man stressed that he is on good terms with his ex-wife, who has also remarried.

'HE NEEDS MORE ATTENTION'

Mr Rahmat said: "Hamid is a good kid though he can be quite mischievous. I think he just needs more attention."

He added that the teenager visits his flat in Jurong about twice a month, but does not stay overnight. The teen stays over only on special occasions like Hari Raya.

Heaving a sigh, Mr Rahmat said: "Of course, I love my son very much, no matter what offences he had committed. He is my flesh and blood."

TNP also spoke to Abdul Hamid's mother, who said that she was depressed after finding out about her son's deeds.

Without revealing details, the woman, who declined to reveal her name, said that her son is a special needs student and goes to a special school.

Tears welled in her eyes when she said: "I was so depressed that I had to see a psychologist. He advised me to rest. I visit Hamid every week when he's in remand."

Declining to answer any more questions, she said: "I will cry if I keep on talking to you about my son."

Madam Mahani left behind three adult children - two sons and a daughter who is disabled and bedridden. She also had three grandchildren between 10 and 13 years old.

The retiree used to take care of her 29-year-old daughter, but since the tragedy, Mr Jazman said his aunt is now taking care of his sister.

He also said that his family is now doing fine.

"There are many things I miss about my mother. I think of her every day," said Mr Jazman.

Teen re-offended while out on bail

He was out on bail for throwing killer litter when he committed the same offence again - this time with tragic consequences. Abdul Hamid Rahmat, 16, built a contraption to launch a bicycle wheel from the 14th storey of Block 1, Eunos Crescent at about 2.15pm on May 16 last year.

The wheel landed on Madam Mahani Abdullah's head as she was walking near the void deck. The 67-year-old retiree died in hospital.

Abdul Hamid's earlier killer litter offence occurred on Aug 24, 2013, when he threw two ceramic tiles, a 5kg dumbbell and a water dispenser from the 11th to 13th storeys of Block 1, Eunos Crescent, where he lived.

About four months later, he threw a brick from the 12th storey of the block and it hit Mr Kyi Phyu Phyo Wai's hand as the 25-year-old man was walking on the pavement below.

The police were alerted and officers arrested the teenager four days later.

Abdul Hamid was soon released on bail.

The teen caused grievous hurt to Madam Mahani on May 16 last year and was arrested the next day.

For each count of causing grievous hurt by performing a rash act, he could have been jailed up to four years and fined up to $10,000.

Other killer litter cases

JAN 5

A rusty axe fell from the rooftop of Block 276, Tampines Street 22.

A four-year-old boy and his mother escaped unscathed as it fell through the roof of a sheltered walkway 2m behind them.

SEPT 30, 2014

Open bags of clothes, broken plastic containers, plastic bags and a pillow were thrown from the 11th storey of Block 528, Jurong West Street 52. The commotion lasted 15 minutes. No one was hurt.

FEB 5, 2013

A tattoo artist threw down items including two laptops from his 12th-storey flat in Bukit Batok. The 35-year-old man was jailed for a month after pleading guilty to acting rashly and endangering the safety of other residents.

This article was first published on March 10, 2015.
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