Kota Kinabalu: A 50-year-old man from Melaka charged with committing physical sexual harassment against his niece, will know his fate on July 28.
Sessions Court Judge Elsie Primus set the date for the man when the defence closed its case after calling four witnesses, Friday.
The court also set on or before July 18 for cross submissions and cross reply on or before July 25 this year.
The man is accused of committing the offence against his 14-year-old niece by performing oral sex on her and inserting his finger into the girl’s private part at a store of house in Manggatal at the end of 2019.
SPONSORED CONTENT Shell’s Access to Energy helps power lives of isolated communities in Sabah Kota Kinabalu: In 2017, Sabah Shell Petroleum Co Ltd (SSPC) launched Access to Energy (A2E), a Shell Social Investment programme aimed at providing affordable and continuous supply of electricity from renewable sources for communities who live without connection to the electricity grid. Read more The offence under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 provides for a jail term of up to 20 years, and whipping, on conviction.
Due to the relationship between the man and the alleged victim, there will be additional punishment under Section 16(2)(c) of the same Act which carries a jail term of up to five years, and whipping at least two strokes, on conviction.
On Feb 3, this year, the man was ordered to enter his defence after the court ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against him.
The prosecution had called seven witnesses during the hearing.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mas Izzaty Lokman conducted the prosecution while the man was represented by counsel Sylyester Kuan.
The court extended the bail offered to the man.
* 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.