MUAR: "Please send me to Henry Gurney School. I want to change, I want to continue studying and become a soldier."
These were the words of an 18-year-old school canteen assistant, who pleaded guilty to two charges of sexual assault and performing oral sex on a 13-year-old girl in May.
Sessions Court Judge Abu Bakar Manat sentenced the teen to be sent to a juvenile school until he turns 21.
After the ruling, the accused's family members, including his mother who was in a wheelchair surrounded him.
He was overheard saying, "I'm sorry, mother."
According to the facts of the case, the accused committed the crimes against the 13-year-old student at a karaoke centre in Jalan Sisi on May 10.
He was charged under Sections 14(a) and 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, each of which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and caning.
The incident occurred while the accused was serving a two-year good behaviour bond for another offence under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code for rape.
During the proceedings, Muar Social Welfare Department officer Shahrol Rozaat Abdul Rasih, presented the accused's social report to the court.
Before delivering the sentence, Judge Abu Bakar informed the court that they also considered the social report along with accused's family background.
"Looking at this social report, you do not have many problems, despite academic shortcomings," said the judge.
"(However) you represented the school and district in football, so teachers are confident in your achievements. I hope when you are released, you will continue to strive to achieve your aspirations (to become a soldier)," he argued.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Danial Munir prosecuted while the accused was not represented.
Earlier, the prosecution requested the court impose a fair sentence considering public interest and the victim's age.
The court then ordered the accused to serve his sentence at the Henry Gurney School, Melaka, in line with Section 76 of the Child Act.
He will also be placed under police supervision for a year after completing the sentence under Section 27 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act.