KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 18 — The Sessions Court ordered a 20-year-old youth today, who pleaded guilty to physical sexual assault of a six-year-old boy, to be sent to the Henry Gurney School in Melaka.
"Taking into account the accused has no previous criminal records, is still underage, and in the interest of the public, he is ordered to be detained at the Henry Gurney School until he reaches 21. This order is as per Section 76 of the Child Act 2001," said Judge Tasnim Abu Bakar.
The youth was accused of committing the offence against the boy at the staircase of a condominium block in Wangsa Maju, between 7pm and 8pm on March 4, 2022.
The charge was framed under Section 14(a) Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792), which is punishable by a prison term of up to 20 years, and liable to caning as well.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Ikhwan Mohd Nasir requested a deterrent sentence to serve as a lesson to the accused and society, considering the interests of the public and the child victim.
However, the youth who was unrepresented, said he would leave it to the court to decide on the sentence.
— Bernama
