Judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah handed down the sentence on Muhammad Khairuanuar Baharuddin, 39, after finding that the defence had failed to raise reasonable doubt against the prosecution’s case.

After the proceedings ended, Khairuanuar, who was in the dock, turned to his family members, who were in the public gallery, smiled and said: “InsyaAllah, it has been determined by Allah. Pray for the best. Take good care of my children.”

His family members were not able to hold back their tears and were seen crying.

Khairuanuar was charged with murdering Hanis Amanda Mohd Zafil, who was then two, at a condominium in Section 5, Wangsa Maju here between 7am and 7.30pm on Nov 6, 2015.

The charge, under Section 302 of the Penal Code, provides for the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.

In the judgment, Sequerah said the court found that all the circumstantial evidence in the case led to the conclusion that Khairuanuar killed Hanis Amanda.

Deputy public prosecutor Zahida Zakaria prosecuted, while Fahri Azzat represented Khairuanuar.

The incident attracted public interest, leading to the hashtag “Justice For Amanda” on Facebook.