KUCHING: A youth charged with attempted rape of a young woman will know his fate tomorrow after pleading guilty to the charge in the Sessions Court here yesterday.
Sharul Nizam Majeni, 19, from Spaoh Betong appeared before Judge Dayang Ellyn Narisa Abang Ahmad who was told the accused was fit to stand trial.
When the case was mentioned on May 3, Shahrul was ordered to undergo a month’s psychiatric observation at Sentosa Hospital after claiming he was “mentally challenged”.
He allegedly attempted to rape a 24-year-old woman near a park at Golden Farm Road Mile 6 along Penrissen Road at about 5pm on April 24 this year.
The victim was strolling along the park with a friend when a stranger approached them, took off his trousers and fondled his private part in front of them.
Frightened, the duo ran away but the victim fell on the ground after being pushed by the man who tried to rape her.
Her friend ran for help but returned empty-handed.
Attempting to help the victim, she kicked the accused on his abdomen, causing him to flee from the scene in pain.
The man later identified as Shahrul Nizam was arrested two days after the victim made a police report.
Shahrul Nizam was charged under Section 376 (1) of the Penal Code read together with Section 511 of the same code which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ jail and whipping upon conviction.