Kota Kinabalu: A 25-year-old service crew restaurant was freed without his defence being called from a charge of committing physical sexual harassment against a girl.
Sessions Court Judge Elsie Primus discharged and acquitted Muhammad Amer Yusry Mas Yus Sofi, after ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against Muhammad on Tuesday.
Muhammad was accused of committing the offence by touching the 14-year-old girl’s private part at 6pm on Nov 14, 2018 at a house in Penampang.
The offence under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, carries a jail term of up to 20 years, and whipping, on conviction. The prosecution had called four witnesses during the hearing. Deputy Public Prosecutor Tham Phou Jin appeared for the prosecution while counsel P.J Perira defended Muhammad.
* Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss.
* Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.