By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Aug 19: A 22-year-old fisherman was sentenced to nine years in prison and five strokes of the cane by the Sessions Court today for raping a 15-year-old girl in 2022, resulting in the birth of a baby girl.
Judge Zuraidah Zakaria ordered the prison term to take effect immediately. She also mandated that the convict undergo rehabilitation counselling during his sentence and be placed under police supervision for two years after his release.
The accused, who had initially pleaded not guilty under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, changed his plea to guilty during today’s proceedings. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and possible caning upon conviction.
According to the charges, the offence occurred on January 3, 2022, in a rented room at Jalan Pending. The victim, then 15, was brought to the location by her cousin to retrieve some items, accompanied by two men, one of whom was the accused.
Upon arrival, the victim and her younger sister were given food by their cousin. Shortly after, the victim left the room to look for water to drink, as there was none inside.
When she returned, she began feeling dizzy and, in a semi-conscious state, realised the accused had removed her pants. She later experienced pain in her genital area after being assaulted.
Several months later, on April 26, 2022, the victim informed her mother that she was pregnant. A police report was filed, leading to the accused’s arrest, while the victim was referred to Sarawak General Hospital (HUS) for further examination. Medical tests confirmed she was five months (21 weeks) pregnant.
During investigations, DNA testing was conducted using blood samples from the victim, the accused, and the baby. The results confirmed a 99.99 per cent match, proving the accused was the biological father of the child born on August 26, 2022.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Fadzri Azham Zainudin handled the prosecution, while the accused was represented by lawyer Christopher Bada. — DayakDaily
