By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Oct 23: The Sessions Court today sentenced a 37-year-old contract worker to 15 years imprisonment and three strokes of the cane after he pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl in Serian last year (2024).
Judge Musli Abdul Hamid imposed the sentence under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries up to 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
The sentence takes effect from the date of conviction. The court also ordered the accused to undergo counselling during his imprisonment and to remain under police supervision for two years following his release.
According to the facts of the case, the offence occurred at an unnumbered house in a village in Balai Ringin, Serian, in July 2024.
The case came to light when the victim, now 15, visited a health clinic in Balai Ringin on October 9 this year. A medical officer discovered that she was six months pregnant and advised her to lodge a police report, as she was underage.
Investigations revealed that the accused, a divorcee with two children, had been living with the victim at her grandfather’s house since July last year. He admitted to having an intimate relationship with her during that period.
Police arrested the accused on October 10 after the victim lodged the report. It was further revealed that he had earlier taken the girl for a medical check-up but went into hiding when attempts were made to locate him.
Investigations determined that the sexual act took place while the two were alone in a bedroom.
The court was informed that the victim, who has never received formal education, is currently under the care of the Sarawak Welfare Department (JKM) until she gives birth.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Aiman Mutallib Mohamad Shariff prosecuted the case, while the accused was unrepresented. —DayakDaily
