Life Term Prison for Indonesian Maid

AN Indonesian maid who killed her elderly employer some four years ago was jailed for life on Thursday. The decision by the Court of Appeal came nearly two years after Barokah, 29, was first sentenced to life imprionment in 2007 and four years after the killing.

In October 2005, Barokah got into a scuffle with Madam Wee Keng Wah when the 75-year-old chided her for sneaking out to meet a man. The maid knocked Madam Wee unconscious during the fight, then tipped her out of the window down nine floors.

The High Court jailed her for life but Barokah appealed. The Court of appeal felt the psychiatric evidence was 'uncertain' and sent the case back for a further hearing. But the re-hearing ended with the same outcome - a life term.

High Court judge Tay Yong Kwang said his views had not changed - Barokah posed as a danger to society as there was a probability she might hurt or kill again.

Barokah appealed a second time. On Thursday, the Court of Appeal dismissed her appeal and upheld Justice Tay's decision that she should be put away for life.(from: KOMPAS.com)