By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Aug 7: An unemployed man was fined RM2,500 by the Magistrate’s Court here today for molesting a 24-year-old woman at a bus stop in Batu Kawah here last July.
Magistrate Zubaidah Sharkawi ordered Michael Tamilchelvan, 39, who pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 354 of the Penal Code, to serve four months in jail if he fails to pay the fine.
Section 354 of the Penal Code provides for a maximum prison term of 10 years, a fine, whipping, or any two of such punishments upon conviction.
Michael was charged with committing the offense against the victim, who is a student, at a bus stop in front of an apartment complex in MJC, Batu Kawa here at around 7.30am on July 11.
Case facts revealed that Michael had ridden his motorcycle slowly towards the victim, passing her three times at a close distance while staring, smiling, and sticking his tongue out at her.
On the third pass, Michael touched the victim’s right arm and breast.
The victim immediately screamed, causing Michael to speed away on his motorcycle.
Frightened and in tears, the victim reported the incident to the police for further action.
In a separate case, Michael was also sentenced to seven years in prison and five strokes of the cane by the Sessions Court today after pleading guilty to robbing a 21-year-old woman on July 20, 2024, around 8.30pm.
The sentence was handed down by Judge Musli Ab Hamid against Michael, who was charged under Section 392 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison term of 14 years and a fine or whipping upon conviction.
According to the case details, the victim was waiting for a friend at a convenience store in MJC, Batu Kawah here when Michael approached her from behind and covered her face with a T-shirt.
Michael then snatched the victim’s iPhone 14 Pro Max and fled on his motorcycle.
The victim attempted to chase after Michael to get his motorcycle’s licence plate number but was unsuccessful. The estimated loss was RM3,000.
A police report was lodged, and Michael was arrested on July 27, 2024.
Investigations revealed that the victim and a witness were able to identify Michael through his physical appearance, and there was CCTV footage capturing the incident.
The separate prosecutions were handled by Deputy Public Prosecutor Norshafatihah Nor Azmi and Prosecuting Officer Inspector Merylene Lindan Andrew Mang. — DayakDaily
