A retired army officer with the title Datuk was charged at the Magistrate’s Court here today with allegedly using criminal force with the intention of outraging the modesty of a 20-year-old female caddie last month.
Yahya Hashim, 68, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out before Magistrate Uthman Abd Ghani.
According to the charge, Yahya allegedly used criminal force against the woman with the intention of outraging her modesty at the Tiara Melaka Golf & Country Club in Jalan Gapam, Bukit Katil, between 8.30am and 12.30pm on Aug 25.
He was charged under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail term of 10 years, a fine, whipping, or any two of those punishments upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Syauqi Mardia Baharudin earlier proposed bail of RM5,000 with an additional condition that Yahya be barred from contacting the alleged victim, as the incident allegedly took place at her workplace.
However, defence lawyer Melvin Tay requested that the bail amount be reduced, citing Yahya’s status as a retiree with no fixed income and his living arrangements with his wife.
The court was also told that Yahya has a prostate-related health condition requiring medical treatment.
Uthman subsequently granted bail at RM2,500 with one surety and allowed the prosecution’s additional condition that Yahya must not interfere with or contact the alleged victim until the case is concluded.
The court fixed Sept 28 for the next mention of the case.
