Stepfather who bit, slapped toddler loses appeal against 15-year jail, RM50,000 fine

KOTA KINABALU: The High Court here yesterday affirmed a stepfather’s 15-year jail sentence and fine of RM50,000 for biting and slapping a toddler.

Justice Nurchaya Hj Arshad dismissed the appellant’s sentence imposed by the lower court here on November 2, 2017.

The 31-year-old appellant was sentenced to 15 years behind bars plus RM50,000 fine, in default, 12 months’ jail after he pleaded guilty to committing the offence on the two-year-old toddler which had caused swelling and bruises on the child’s body in the room of their home in Penampang on July 3.

The offence was framed under Section 31 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001 and punishable under Section 31 (1) of the same Act.

The indictment carries a fine of up to RM50,000 or an imprisonment of not exceeding 20 years, or both, upon conviction.

The lower court judge had ordered him to undergo a good behaviour bond for three years and 240 hours of community service to be completed within six months and both to start after the completion of his imprisonment.

If the accused violated the bond or failed to undergo the community service, he will be fined RM10,000 or jailed for another five years, or both.

The High Court also ordered for the bond order on the appellant to be inserted with one surety.