KUCHING: A 45-year-old man accused of raping a 16-year-old girl will have his case mentioned in the Sessions Court here on Aug 24 after the pre-trial case management was heard today (Jul 24).
Sessions Court Judge Noorhisham Mohd Jaafar fixed the date after the accused pleaded not guilty when the charge was read out in court.
The accused allegedly committed the offence against the minor at an apartment near Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg here at about 12.30 am on June 10.
He is charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Adriana Maisarah Mohd Farid appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was represented by counsel Dzulfadzli Hanizah.
Lawyer Joanne Loy appeared as watching brief counsel for the complainant.
Previously, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Public Complaint Bureau Chief Milton Foo said parents must play a more active role in monitoring their children’s movements and activities.
“I want to remind all parents, especially those with daughters of school-going age, whether in primary or secondary school, to play their role as responsible parents.
“Make sure your children do not freely go out at night, especially if it involves staying overnight with friends or people they do not know,” he said.
Loy, meanwhile, who is acting as pro bono watching brief for the victim and her family, said the case should serve as a wake-up call that sexual crimes against minors remain a serious issue.
“We are speaking out not only for this victim, but also to encourage other victims and their families to come forward, seek help and speak up.
“We also want to send a clear message to offenders – there are consequences for your actions, and anyone who commits such crimes will be held accountable under the law,” she said.
The accused allegedly committed the offence against the minor at an apartment near Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg here at about 12.30 am on June 10.
He is charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Adriana Maisarah Mohd Farid appeared for the prosecution, while the accused was represented by counsel Dzulfadzli Hanizah.
Lawyer Joanne Loy appeared as watching brief counsel for the complainant.
Previously, Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Public Complaint Bureau Chief Milton Foo said parents must play a more active role in monitoring their children’s movements and activities.
“I want to remind all parents, especially those with daughters of school-going age, whether in primary or secondary school, to play their role as responsible parents.
“Make sure your children do not freely go out at night, especially if it involves staying overnight with friends or people they do not know,” he said.
Loy, meanwhile, who is acting as pro bono watching brief for the victim and her family, said the case should serve as a wake-up call that sexual crimes against minors remain a serious issue.
“We are speaking out not only for this victim, but also to encourage other victims and their families to come forward, seek help and speak up.
“We also want to send a clear message to offenders – there are consequences for your actions, and anyone who commits such crimes will be held accountable under the law,” she said.