In a recent ruling, the Sessions Court sentenced 49-year-old barber Meruan Daud to nine years in prison and four lashes for sodomizing a 16-year-old teenager in March. The accused pleaded guilty to the charges, which were read out by the Court's interpreter in front of Judge Ahmad Faizadh Yahaya.

In his judgment, Judge Ahmad Faizadh emphasized that the court took into consideration the charges, case facts, nature of the offense, the accused's appeal, the prosecution's arguments, and public interest when determining the sentence. The offense was committed at the accused's barber shop in Kampung Mentadak Baru Sungai Tamang, Sebatik Island, on March 11.

According to NST, the charge was filed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a maximum sentence of twenty years' imprisonment and whipping upon conviction. Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Suhaimi Suryana highlighted the aggravating factors in the case, including the accused's exploitation of the victim from the age of 13 to 16 and the victim's subsequent infection with HIV.

The prosecution also noted that the accused showed no remorse or guilt for his actions, despite the severe consequences for the victim. The court ordered the accused to serve his prison sentence effective from the date of his arrest, April 2, 2024, and to undergo rehabilitation counseling throughout his imprisonment. Additionally, the accused will be under police supervision for two years after completing his prison sentence.

This ruling serves as a stern reminder of the severity of sexual offenses against children and the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse. The court's decision reflects its commitment to upholding justice and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

Source: NST