Lelaki 76 tahun gagal rayu sabitan rogol kanak-kanak

The Malaysian High Court has upheld a 15-year prison sentence for a 76-year-old man convicted of raping an eight-year-old girl in 2018. Putting together a final vote, the three-judge panel of the Court of Appeal refused his last appeal against the rape conviction of eight-year-old girl in 2018. Chairing the three-judge panel, Judge Noorin Badaruddin stated that there is no reason to disregard the High Court's ruling upholding the sentence and imprisonment of Ramli Mat.

"The court's sentence is upheld," said Noorin, sitting with Judges Radzi Abdul Hamid and Meor Hashimi Abdul Hamid. Ramli, who was destitute and receiving welfare, committed the offense against the victim in an unregistered house in Arau, Perlis, between 6.30 pm and 7.30 pm on December 17, 2018. At the time, he was 69 years old. On March 14 of last year, the Sessions Court sentenced him to 15 years and four months imprisonment under laws for sexual offenders.

Ramli, who had previously been released on conditional bail pending the court proceedings, began serving his imprisonment sentence last year. Deputy Crown Prosecutor Eyu Ghim Siang said the victim, who disclosed the incident when she was 12 years old, clearly identified Ramli as the perpetrator, and her testimony was further supported by medical findings.

"The defense arguments amounted to an acquittal," she said. However, lawyer Norharniza Rusli argued there was doubt as to whether Ramli actually sexually assaulted the child, contending that medical evidence alone was insufficient to prove him guilty. He also requested the court to reduce the sentence taking into account Ramli's advanced age.

Eyu also asked the panel to uphold the imprisonment sentence, which he said corresponds with sentencing trends for similar offenses. He further informed the court that Ramli could be exempt from the sentence if found medically unfit when the sentence is carried out, or if a request for exemption is filed with the court later.