By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Jan 8: A man was sentenced to 12 months in prison by the Magistrate’s Court today after being found guilty of assaulting his wife over a financial dispute involving their child’s expenses.
According to court records, the assault took place in the early hours of Jan 4 at Kampung Semeba.
The 24-year-old victim returned to her husband’s family home at around 3.45am after being informed that their child was unwell.
Upon her arrival, her husband, Barry Guillen, aged 28, approached her vehicle and demanded the return of RM150 he had previously given her for their child’s needs.
The victim managed to hand over RM80, which angered the accused as it was not the full amount.
In a fit of rage, Guillen punched the victim on the right side of her forehead. Following the attack, the woman suffered injuries to her lips and forehead. She sought medical treatment at a nearby hospital.
Subsequently, she filed a police report, leading to Guillen’s arrest on Jan 5.
Investigations revealed that Guillen, who works as a welder, caused physical harm to his wife during the altercation. The medical report confirmed that the victim sustained tissue injuries to her lips and forehead.
During today’s court proceedings, Guillen pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 323 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 326A. Magistrate Ling Hui Chuan presided over the case and handed down the sentence.
The Penal Code provisions stipulate that individuals found guilty of such offenses can face a maximum of one year in prison, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both.
The court’s decision to impose a custodial sentence underscores the seriousness of domestic violence and sends a strong message about the legal consequences of such actions. — DayakDaily
