Mechanic denies extortion, molest charges

KOTA KINABALU: A mechanic maintained his plea of not guilty to charges of extortion and molesting a 23-year-old maid, at the Magistrate’s Court here yesterday.

Sawal Muhimin, 49, who appeared before magistrate Cindy Mc Juce Balitus, had received documents from the prosecution for his trial on December 11-12 this year.

In the first count, Sawal was accused of extorting the victim by saying that he would turn her over to the immigration temporary detention centre if she did not give him her two gold rings.

The alleged offence took place at Jalan Kokol, Manggatal here on October 9.

The offence is charged under Section 384 of the Penal Code which provides for a jail term of up to 10 years, or with fine, or with whipping, or with any two of such punishments, upon conviction.

For the second count, the accused was alleged to have used criminal force to outrage the modesty of the same woman on the same day at 8.30pm at Kampung Sinanggang, Manggatal.

He faces a charge under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 10 years or with fine or whipping or with any two of the punishments, upon conviction.

Prosecuting officer Inspector Albert Basirin prosecuted and the accused, who is currently released on a bail, was not represented.