KUALA LUMPUR: A tourist van driver was fined RM12,000, in default 10 months' imprisonment, by the Sessions Court here for abusing his two step-sons by slapping and hitting them.
Judge Suhaila Haron meted out the fine to Joharis Mahmod, 48, after he pleaded guilty to both charges on Tuesday (Sept 22).
The court also placed him on a two-year good behaviour bond with a RM2,000 surety, and ordered him to perform 36 hours of community service for each charge.
Joharis was charged with abusing the two boys, then aged nine years and five months and 17 years and six months, respectively, by slapping their cheeks and hitting them with a pestle and an iron, causing injuries to their bodies and heads.
The offences were committed at an apartment unit in Cheras here between 10.30pm and 11pm on Aug 13 this year.
The charges were framed under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides a maximum penalty of a RM50,000 fine, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both, upon conviction.
According to the facts of the case, a female teacher lodged a police report after discovering the abuse.
Investigations found that Joharis had slapped the first victim five times on both cheeks, while the second victim was struck on the body with a pestle and an iron rod.
A medical examination found bruising on both cheeks of the first victim, while the second victim sustained multiple bruises on his back and the back of his scalp.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Md Subri Hashim appeared for the prosecution while Joharis was unrepresented. – Bernama
