Kota Kinabalu: A 53-year-old was jailed four months by the Magistrate’s Court, here, Thursday for assaulting his wife during a domestic dispute.
Adam Najmi Palalun Abdullah pleaded guilty before Magistrate Dzul Elmy Yunus to voluntarily causing hurt to his 53-year-old wife at a unit in Kepayan Ridge Apartment at 11pm on April 5 this year.
The offence under Section 323 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 326A of the same Code, carries imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to RM2,000 or both on conviction, while Section 326A provides for imprisonment of up to twice the maximum term for the offence.
The court heard from the prosecution that Adam and his wife got into an argument during which he choked her, punched her on the head, kicked her leg and pressed her head against a mattress, causing her difficulty in breathing.
The victim suffered pain as well as bruises and swelling on her body.
Investigations revealed that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding between the couple.
The victim received treatment at Queen Elizabeth Hospital I after lodging a police report, which led to Adam’s arrest on April 7.
Further investigations also found that similar domestic violence incidents had occurred repeatedly throughout the couple’s marriage.
The victim’s children witnessed previous acts of violence committed by Adam against their mother, said the prosecution.
Unrepresented, Adam asked for a lenient sentence, saying he was remorseful and had school-going children to support.
The prosecution applied for a deterrent sentence.
The court ordered Adam to serve the sentence from Thursday.
Meanwhile, an ice cream factory worker was fined RM1,600 or jailed four months for assaulting a woman.
Mohd Afiz Alidin, 29, pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing hurt to Nurul Ain Samiu, 24, at a car park opposite Wawasan Plaza at 1.30am on June 12.
The offence is framed under Section 323 of the Penal Code.
The prosecution informed the court that Afiz struck the victim on the face, hands and legs with his hands and also kicked her leg following an argument between them.
Investigations revealed that the dispute began after Afiz scolded the complainant in front of his friends, causing her embarrassment and leading to a quarrel.
The victim suffered injuries to her right knee as well as scratches on her thigh and hand.
A medical examination found that she had sustained soft tissue injuries.
Afiz was arrested by police on the same day.
Duty counsel Carmen Khoo, representing Mohd Afiz, asked for a lower fine, saying he was remorseful and the sole breadwinner supporting his mother and younger sister.
The prosecution applied for a deterrent sentence.
Inspector Mohamad Hamidi Mohamad Hamzah prosecuted.
