SEREMBAN: A 56-year-old woman was acquitted and discharged without her defence being called by the High Court here for the alleged murder of her mother four years ago.

       Judge Datuk Azman Abdullah, in acquitting M. Chinnammah, said the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against her for the murder of M. Pichai, who was 70 when the crime was allegedly committed.

       Chinnammah was accused of committing the crime between 11.30am and 5.20pm at a house in Pekan Jelai in Bahau on June 30, 2017.

       She was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder, which carries the death penalty upon conviction.

       The accused, a widow, was represented by Paul Krishnarajah and Goh Chee Kian, while Rahimah Abdul Majid prosecuted.

       Paul, when met later said the court found that one witness, who was the victim's grandson and present when the crime was allegedly committed, could not explain in detail how the accused had murdered Pichai.

       "The court said the witness also failed to explain how his DNA was found beneath the victim's fingernails.

       "Another issue raised by the judge was how a gold bangle belonging to the victim was found in the witness' house and why was he seen with the accused at a jewellery shop after the alleged crime," he said adding that the court also found that the witness' testimony lacked credibility.

       Relatives of the accused present in court heaved a sigh of relief after Azman delivered his judgment.

       Her only child, 21-year-old Thamaraivally, was also seen hugging her the moment she walked out of the court.