20 years, 10 strokes for raping eight-year-old stepdaughter

KOTA KINABALU: A 62-yearold stepfather was sentenced to 20 years’ jail and 10 strokes of the cane for raping his eight-year-old stepdaughter.

Judge Azreena Aziz imposed the sentence on the man after finding him guilty of committing the crime at a house in Papar at 10pm on August 16, 2016.

The accused was charged under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code which provides for a jail term of up to 30 years and whipping of not less than 10 strokes, upon conviction.

In mitigation, the man, who was not represented, said he had no income to support his family.

Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Husna Abdul Halim said the accused had committed a very heinous crime against the victim who was only eight years old at that time.

Therefore, she urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence against the accused in consideration of public interest that demanded for a heavy punishment for such offence.

The court also ordered the man to be placed under police supervision for two years after serving his sentence.

In a separate case, a 34-yearold farmer claimed trial to raping his 18 years and eight months old stepdaughter.

He was accused of committing the offence at the living room of a house in a village in Tamparuli, Tuaran at 1am around November, last year.

He is charged under Section 376(2)(d) of the Penal Code which carries a jail term of up to 30 years and whipping, on conviction.

Judge Ainul Shahrin Mohamed fixed December 15 this year for pre-trial case management and released him on RM10,000 bail with two sureties, pending disposal of the case.

He was also ordered to report at the Tuaran police station every first day of the month and prohibited from contacting any prosecution witnesses, especially the victim.

If he failed to adhere to any of the conditions, the bail may be revoked and he will be brought to court to be further remanded.

DPP Hafizah Zahidah Abdullah prosecuted.