By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, June 27: A 26-year-old storekeeper claimed trial to a charge of molesting an American woman who was here for the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge framed under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which carries imprisonment of up to 10 years or with fine or with whipping or with any two of such punishments.
Magistrate Syarifah Fatimah Azura Wan Ali released the accused on a RM2,000 bail with one local surety and fixed August 8 for pre-trial case management.
The accused allegedly molested the victim, in her 40s, by slapping her buttock at the staircase of a homestay near Jalan Bukit Mata at about 7.45pm on June 22.
According to the brief facts of the case, the victim was walking towards the homestay unit with her friend when the accused followed them from behind and suddenly slapped the victim’s buttock, causing the victim to shout for help.
The accused then fled from the scene but was arrested by two nearby men and handed over to the police.
The prosecution was handled by Prosecuting Officer Mohd Adzmei, while counsel Lim Lian Kee represented the accused. — DayakDaily
