TAWAU: An unemployed man was sentenced to 12 years' jail and six strokes of the rotan by the Sessions Court today for sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl.
Anuar Mohd Khamka, 22, pleaded guilty after the charge was read out by the court interpreter in front of Judge Awang Kerisnada Awang Mahmud.
The accused, who is an illegal immigrant, had assaulted the victim in a bush in Kampung Balimbang, Pulau Bum-Bum, Semporna, at 12.30am on Feb 4.
He initially faced imprisonment not exceeding 20 years or a fine, besides caning, or any two of the punishments.
Awang Kerisnada said the court had the responsibility to protect and defend public interest in this case. He said the victim was a minor and the court had to mete out a harsh sentence on the accused.
"After examining the facts and arguments of the prosecution, the court orders the accused to be sentenced to 12 years' imprisonment and six strokes of the rotan effective from the date of conviction today," he said.
In addition, the court also ordered that the accused be referred to the Immigration Department for deportation after serving his sentence.
Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Suhaimi Suriana prosecuted while the accused was not represented.