KUCHING, Feb 28: A laborer has been sentenced to 22 years in prison and five strokes of the cane by the Sessions Court here today after being found guilty of raping a 14-year-old girl two years ago.
Sessions Court Judge Saiful Bahari Adzmi delivered the verdict after the prosecution successfully presented a prima facie case against Bolhasan Hashim, 37, at the conclusion of today’s defense proceedings.
Under the first and second charges, he was prosecuted under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code for the rape of a 14-year-old child.
The offense took place in a park in front of a building in Petra Jaya, around 12 noon and 5pm, on Nov 10, 2022.
For the third charge, he was accused of committing sexual grooming at an unnumbered house in Kampung Wawasan Jaya, here at around 10 pm on the same day.
For the third charge, he was charged under Section 14 (b) of the Sexual Offenses Against Children Act 2017 carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine.
Based on the facts of the case, when the victim received treatment at a hospital for abdominal pain and was questioned by the doctor about her discomfort, she confessed to being raped.
Upon learning of the incident, the victim’s sister filed a police report for further action, leading to the accused’s arrest on Dec 8, 2022, in a village.
Seven witnesses were called during the defense proceedings, including a doctor, the victim, and three police officers.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohammad Fauzan Zamri prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented by legal counsel. — DayakDaily
