GEORGE TOWN: The former chairman of a children’s home was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment and two strokes of the rotan after being convicted of sexually assaulting a teenage resident.
Alagesan Ayaru, 48, was found guilty under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 by the Balik Pulau Sessions Court on Jan 16.
The offence took place on Feb 19, 2023, at Peace Children Care Centre in Kampung Sungai Nibong, Bayan Lepas when the victim was 16.
The centre was subsequently ordered to close and is no longer operating.
Alagesan was charged under Section 14(a) of the Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.
Court documents show that a police report was lodged on May 1, 2023 after the victim disclosed the incident.
Investigators later seized a video recording believed to be linked to the case, which was sent to the police forensic laboratory for analysis.
He was initially charged at the George Town Sessions Court in September 2023, before the case was transferred to the Balik Pulau Sessions Court for a full trial.
Sessions Court Judge Ahzal Fariz Ahmad Khairuddin handed down the sentence after considering the victim impact statement and submissions by the prosecution on the impact of the offence on the victim and her family.
The court granted a stay of execution pending an appeal, allowing him to remain free during the appeal process. He was also granted bail of RM25,000.
Additionally, Alagesan was ordered to surrender his passport and report to the nearest police station monthly until the appeal is resolved.
DPP Lim Jin Hong prosecuted the case while Chandra Segaran represented the accused.
