MUAR: A factory worker's prison sentence was extended to 13 years with six strokes of the rotan for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old student in Kluang two years ago.
The accused, Mohammad Syafiq Aiman Yahya, 25, pleaded guilty to the offences in the sessions court here today.
He admitted his guilt when the charges were read to him through an interpreter before Judge Sayani Mohd Nor.
He is currently serving an eight-year prison sentence for raping a minor, whom he had taken on as his "adik angkat" (non-biological younger sibling).
However, his sentence was increased to 13 years and six strokes of the cane after he pleaded guilty to the sexual assault of the 14-year-old girl.
The court imposed an additional five years' imprisonment and three strokes of the cane for the recent sexual assault charge, which will take effect once he has completed his existing sentence for rape.
According to the charge sheet, Aiman physically assaulted the minor on Feb 13, 2022, at 1.30pm along Jalan Siantan in Kluang.
He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment and corporal punishment.
According to the police report, the victim came forward the following day (Feb 14) at 9.55am to recount her ordeal.
She had earlier dropped off a friend after school when she noticed the accused following her on her motorcycle.
While riding home, Aiman rode alongside her before suddenly committing the assault, frightening the victim and prompting her to flee.
Aiman was arrested two days later.
The prosecution was handled by deputy public prosecutor, Danial Munir, while Aiman was represented by Syafie Naim from the National Legal Aid Foundation.
In addition to the extended prison sentence, the court mandated that Aiman undergo counseling during his incarceration and be subject to two years of police supervision upon his release, in accordance with Sections 26 and 27 of the same act.