A retired army officer has claimed trial to a charge of using criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of a 20-year-old female caddie in August.
According to Malay Mail and Sin Chew Daily, the accused is Yahya Hashim, who pleaded not guilty at the Ayer Keroh Magistrates’ Court last Friday (Sept 4).
He is also reported to be a holder of the ‘Datuk’ title.
Facts of the case
According to the charge framed under Section 354 of the Penal Code, Yahya was accused of allegedly molesting the 20-year-old caddie at the Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club golf course in Jalan Gapam, Bukit Katil, in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, between 8.30am and 12.30pm on August 25.
He faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, or a fine, or whipping, or any of the two punishments if convicted.
A bail of RM5,000 was offered by Deputy Public Prosecutor Syauqi Mardia Baharudin, along with an additional condition that Yahya stay away from the victim as she was working at the location where the offense allegedly took place.
Yahya’s lawyer, Melvin Tay, asked for a reduced bail amount, saying that his client had no fixed income as a retiree and lived with his wife.
Tay also stated that Yahya was currently being treated for a prostate-related health condition.
Magistrate Uthman Abd Ghani granted bail at RM2,500 with one surety and ordered Yahya to not contact the victim until the case has concluded.
The court fixed September 28 for case mention.
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