MUAR: An emotional scene unfolded in the Sessions Court here today when a sobbing lorry driver sobbed apologised to his biological son for raping the latter's 13-year-old stepdaughter.
The 63-year-old pleaded guilty to the rape charges when read by the court interpreter before judge Sayani Mohd Nor.
He had been accused of raping the teen in their home in Batu Pahat at midnight on July 19.
The father of five from two marriages was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code for rape, punishable with up to 20 years in prison and whipping.
The prosecution alleged that the accused had been sexually assaulting the victim since 2021, based on a police report lodged by the victim on July 25 at 2.50pm, declaring the ongoing abuse.
In her report, the victim said she was lying on a bed in her room when the defendant approached her and coerced her into complying with his abusive demands before raping her.
Following the report, police conducted an investigation that led his arrest on July 26.
Deputy public prosecutor Danial Munir emphasised on the severity of the offence.
He said the case involved a man who took advantage of his own son's stepdaughter, instead of protecting and guiding her.
After considering arguments from both parties, the court decided on a 10-year prison term sentence starting from the date of arrest, coupled with four lashes of the cane.
The court also mandated that the accused undergo police supervision for two years after completing his sentence.