KUCHING: A convicted rapist, recently released from jail after serving seven years’ jail for raping a minor, received another seven years’ jail for molesting and assaulting a young woman in May.
Shamsuddin Abdul Rahman, 33, who was found guilty of the two charges, appeared calm when presiding Magistrate Maris Agan ordered him to be given three strokes of the cane.
For the first charge, Shamsuddin received five years’ imprisonment and three lashings for outraging the modesty of a 22-year-old victim at a rented room at Mile 4 Penrissen Road at about 4.15pm on May 4.
For the second charge, he was sentenced to two years for assaulting the victim with a pair of scissors on the same day and place.
Magistrate Maris ordered the jail term to run consecutively and to take effect from the delivery of judgement which was yesterday.
A total of five prosecution witnessess and two defence witnesses appeared in court to testify.
The victim who works at a pharmacy had her hands bound before being molested by the accused.
Shamsuddin attempted to rape her but fled when the victim screamed for help.
He was hiding until he was spotted by the victim and the police notified.
Molest comes under Section 354 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum 10 years’ imprisonment, fine or whipping, or any two of the penalties upon conviction while assault comes under Section 506 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum seven years’ imprisonment or fine, or both upon conviction.
In 2004, he was convicted of three rape charges committed against a 14-year-old girl. Shamsuddin was not represented by any counsel while Inspector Yunus Sahak prosecuted.