Soldier sentenced to 18-year imprisonment, 34 strokes for raping 16-year-old daughter

The accused being escorted by a police officer after his sentencing.

By William Isa

SIBU, April 28: A 40-year-old soldier has been slapped with 18 years’ imprisonment and 34 strokes of the whip by the Sessions Court today after he pleaded guilty to raping and sexually assaulting his daughter.

According to the charge sheet, the accused had raped his 16-year-old daughter three times in their room of a longhouse at Mile 14 Jalan Oya.

The first offence was committed on March 11, second on March 26 and third one on April 1.

The offences were framed under Section 376 of the Penal Code.

Muhamad Hakimi was also charged under Section 14 (a) of Sexual Offence against Children Act 2017 for touching the victim’s body on four occasions during the same period.

In mitigation, he pleaded for leniency for a custodial sentence, saying that if given the second chance, he would be a “good father and husband”. He added that he has aged parents who have no one to care for.

The accused also said he was remorseful for his actions.

The DPP asked the court to pass a deterrent sentence, saying that as a soldier, the accused should have shown good example in safeguarding the security of society.

He also said that the accused had abused his trust in committing the rape.

Judge Marutin Pagan ordered that the sentence be served from the date of arrest which is on April 12.

The accused was detained after the teacher of the victim who came to know of the matter, lodged a police report. — DayakDaily