KUCHING: A 21-year-old man was fined RM2,000, in default five months’ imprisonment, by the Magistrates’ Court here today for assaulting his girlfriend during a domestic dispute earlier this month.
Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali imposed the sentence on Mohamad Haiqal Rashdan Abdullah after he pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 323 of the Penal Code.
Under Section 323 of the Penal Code, the offence carries a maximum punishment of one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both upon conviction.
According to the charge, Haiqal voluntarily caused hurt to his 18-year-old girlfriend at a rented house in Metro City New Township at about 8:00 pm on July 3.
Case facts revealed that the couple, who were in a relationship, became involved in an argument at the rented house over personal issues.
During the altercation, the accused allegedly pulled the complainant back into the room by force, resulting in a struggle between them.
The victim later sustained injuries to her right knee and right arm.
A witness, who is the victim’s friend, saw the couple arguing before the physical altercation took place.
A medical report subsequently confirmed that the complainant suffered minor injuries to her right knee and right arm.
Investigations found sufficient evidence to charge the accused under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt.
It is understood that differing accounts emerged regarding the cause of the quarrel.
One version suggested the accused was trying to stop his girlfriend from going to a nightclub, while another claimed the dispute stemmed from his request for money to purchase a motorcycle.
Deputy Public Prosecutor, Muhammad Aidil Akmal Sharidan, prosecuted the case, while the accused was unrepresented.
Kuching Police Chief, ACP Alexson Naga Chabu, previously said police received a report on July 4 after the video began circulating online.
He said investigations revealed the incident took place at about 8:00 pm on July 3 in the corridor outside a rented room at Metro City.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident is believed to have been triggered by a misunderstanding between the victim and the suspect,” he said.
