Sept hearing on appeal in rape-and-marry case

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KOTA KINABALU: The High Court yesterday fixed September 29 to hear an appeal by a restaurant manager against his conviction and sentence for raping a primary schoolgirl whom he later married.

Justice Ravinthran Paramaguru deferred the hearing on the appeal by Riduan Masmud at the request of his counsel, Ram Singh, who asked for time to prepare a written submission.

Riduan appealed against his conviction and the 12 years’ jail and two strokes of the cane imposed by the lower court on February 3.

However, deputy public prosecutor Effizah Ernie Idris made a cross-appeal for a heavier sentence.

Riduan, 41, was found guilty of raping the primary six schoolgirl at 10am inside a car by the roadside near the Kionsom waterfall in Inanam on February 18, last year.

The offence, which is classified as statutory rape as the victim was 12 years and six months old at the time of incident, is punishable under Section 376 (1) of the Penal Code and carries a jail term of up to 20 years and is also liable to whipping, upon conviction.

Counsel Mary Florence Gomez held a watching brief for the Sabah Law Association and Voice of the Children Malaysia while counsel Mary Lee was present for the Sabah Women Action Resource Group.

Riduan is currently released on bail, pending the disposal of his appeal.