KOTA KINABALU: The trial of a politician charged with four counts of molesting an Unduk Ngadau beauty pageant contestant will be held from April 12 to 14 next year.
Magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie fixed the dates for Phillip Among @ Daniel Dell Fidelis, 52, when the case was mentioned for pre-trial management today.
On the first to fourth counts, Phillip is accused of molesting an Unduk Ngadau contestant four times at various places on May 19 between 2pm and 10pm.
The alleged acts took place inside Studio Darvel Bay Borneo Holidays Sdn Bhd in Asia City; inside a moving car from a restaurant towards an old office in the city; at a staircase next to Ever Best Photo in Asia City; and inside an office in Metro Town.
The offence under Section 354 of the Penal Code provides a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine or whipping or any two such punishments, upon conviction.
On June 10, Phillip claimed trial to all the charges against him and was released on RM8,000 bail for each offence with two local sureties pending disposal of the case.
The court also imposed additional conditions which include the surrendering of his passport to the court and report himself once a month to the nearest police station.
Further, the accused and/or his representatives are restricted from communicating with the victim and/or the victim's family, until the disposal of the case.
Phillip was represented by lead counsel Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah and co-counsel, Azhier Farhan Arisin while Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Hajar Mazlan prosecuted.