KOTA KINABALU: A 34-year-old security guard has told the Sessions Court that “no one escapes from making mistakes” after pleading for leniency in a case involving the alleged sexual harassment of an 11-year-old schoolgirl.
Mohd Firdaus Basir, during pre-trial proceedings before Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan, questioned whether he would be punished without mercy before acknowledging his wrongdoing.
He is accused of hugging and kissing the girl’s cheeks for sexual purposes at 5.50am on Jan 13 at a school in Tuaran.
The offence falls under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (SOACA), which carries up to 20 years’ jail and whipping upon conviction, with an additional charge under Section 16(1) providing further penalties.
The court has fixed sentencing for June 11, with Firdaus remanded pending the date. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul Shafeerah Mad Iskim appeared for the prosecution.
