By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, May 6: A 34-year-old farmer pleaded guilty in the Sessions Court here today to sexually assaulting his six-year-old daughter by inserting his fingers into her private parts in April.
The accused, from Tebedu, admitted to the charge before Judge Iris Awen Jon under Section 377CA of the Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of five to 30 years and whipping upon conviction.
According to the charge, the man committed the offence at a house in the village of Tebedu in April. The crime was uncovered after the victim’s mother noticed redness on her daughter’s genitals and grew suspicious of possible abuse.
The mother became alarmed when the child appeared startled while being dressed for bed. Upon questioning, the girl revealed that her father had ‘disturbed’ her using his hands and pointed to her private parts.
The victim was later taken to the hospital, where a medical examination confirmed tears in her genital area, supporting the allegations.
Public Deputy Prosecutor Mohamad Aiman Mutallib Mohamad Shariff requested a new hearing date as the exhibits (evidence) were not yet ready.
Additionally, Aiman did not offer bail to the accused, as the offence is non-bailable, and to prevent the accused from fleeing.
The court ordered the accused to remain in remand until the next mention date, set for May 13.
Meanwhile, the accused will also face charges at the Serian Magistrate’s Court under Section 292 of the Penal Code for possessing obscene videos on his mobile phone.
The accused appeared in court today without legal representation. — DayakDaily
