Tears on girl’s hymen, court told

Doctor: Cause likely to be penetration by a blunt object

KUALA LUMPUR: A doctor told the Magistrates Court here that she had discovered old tears on the hymen of a 10-year-old girl who had allegedly been molested by her grandfather.

Clinical specialist Dr Ida Lilywati Md Latar, who had examined the girl last year, said there were tears at the nine o’clock position which were consistent with penetration by a blunt object.

Asked by DPP Hadariah Siri what this object was, Dr Ida said it could be a finger or a penis.

During cross-examination by counsel Noor Azah Azizan, however, she admitted this was inconclusive.

When further asked if the tears could have been caused by other factors such as vigorous exercise, Dr Ida said it “was possible” but required very serious trauma during the activity.

She told DPP Hadariah that penetration by a blunt object was still the most likely cause of the tears.

Dr Ida added that the examination also revealed redness on the interior of the girl’s genitalia, as well as a whitish discharge possibly caused by fungal infection.

Her testimony was supported by senior clinical specialist Dr V. Vallikkannu, who had also examined the girl last year.

Asked by Noor Azah how the girl acted when being interviewed before the examination, Dr Vallikkannu said she had been cooperative.

“She spoke well,” Drvallikkannu said. “She did not appear distressed or sad.”

However, she added that the girl had been crying during the examination, although she said children often did not react well to the process.

The victim’s mother testified to a closed court through camera.

About six more witnesses are expected to be called by the prosecution throughout the trial.

The name soft he victim and anyone connected to her cannot be revealed as the victim is a minor.

The victim was allegedly molested by her grandfather, a 73-yearold former managing director, at four locations in Kuala Lumpur.

The first offence allegedly occurred in April two years ago with the other three incidents taking place between May and October last year.

He has been charged with assault or use of criminal force to a person with intent to outrage modesty under section 354 of the Penal Code.