Ex-valet gets 13 years, three strokes for rape on appeal
High Court says the sessions court’s findings were fully supported by CCTV footage and scientific evidence.
Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Nurulhuda Nuraini Nor has upheld the rape conviction of ex-valet T Khanesen and increased his prison sentence to 13 years and three strokes. Khanesen, 34, was found guilty of raping an 18-year-old girl at an entertainment venue in May 2023. The judge upheld the session court's finding that Khanesen abused his position as a valet working at an entertainment venue frequented by young patrons.
The trial judge's findings were supported by CCTV footage and scientific evidence, which showed the victim becoming unconscious and being driven to Khanesen's car before the rape took place. The court also placed significant weight on DNA evidence found within the victim's mouth, which corroborated her testimony of forced oral sex.
The judge rejected Khanesen's explanation for the DNA transfer, stating it was untenable. She found that the victim's failure to physically resist did not amount to consent, as per established legal principles. The judge increased the sentence due to Khanesen's abusive position and deliberate actions to avoid recognition and hide the victim from CCTV cameras.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
