By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Nov 8: An e-hailing driver was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for using criminal force to try to sexually assault a passenger.
Eric Maang Dring, 50, from Kampung Sarig pleaded guilty to the charge before Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali.
He was charged under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years, or with fine, or whipping, or any two of the punishments upon conviction.
He was charged with using criminal force to attempt to assault a female passenger, at his house in Kampung Sarig on November 2.
According to the brief facts of the case, the victim had booked a ride via an e-hailing service to go to the Kuching bus terminal from Kuching International Airport.
The accused was the driver assigned to send the victim to her destined destination.
However, the accused brought the victim to his house at Kampung Sarig instead of sending her to the Kuching bus terminal.
Upon arriving at his house, the accused stripped off his clothes, wore a towel, and forced the victim to go into his bedroom while holding a knife. The accused then took off his towel.
The victim managed to escape and flee from the scene and subsequently lodged a police report.
The accused was arrested on November 4.
Inspector Mohd Adzmei Ahmad prosecuted. — DayakDaily
