Distraught mother attempts suicide

PADANG, West Sumatra: A distraught mother tried to commit suicide after learning in court that her daughter was involved in drugs.

Ita, 40, became hysterical on Saturday after hearing that her daughter Eliana, 18, along with boyfriend Salim, has been charged with possession of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine), Antara reported.

With tears in her eyes, Ita ran out of the court room and sat on the front lawn of the court building.

"In my whole life I have never set foot in court but now my daughter stands accused. How am I supposed to help when its even hard for us just to eat three times a day," she cried.

She then rushed to the middle of the street and stood in front of passing buses.

But her attempts to kill herself failed. Court attendants then calmed the distressed mother.(mds)