A tour van driver was fined RM12,000 by the Sessions Court here on Tuesday after pleading guilty to abusing his two stepsons by slapping them and hitting them with a pestle and an iron.
Judge Suhaila Haron ordered Joharis Mahmod, 48, to serve 10 months in prison if he fails to pay the fine.
He was also ordered to enter a two-year good behaviour bond with a RM2,000 surety and perform 36 hours of community service for each charge.
Joharis pleaded guilty to two charges involving his stepsons, aged nine years and five months and 17 years and six months. Both suffered injuries to their bodies and heads.
The offences took place at an apartment in Cheras between 10.30pm and 11pm on August 13. Joharis was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, imprisonment of up to 20 years, or both upon conviction.
According to the facts of the case, a female teacher lodged a police report after becoming aware of the abuse.
Investigations found that Joharis had slapped the younger boy on both cheeks five times, while the older victim was allegedly struck with a pestle and an iron.
A preliminary medical examination found bruising on both cheeks of the younger victim, while the older boy had several bruises on his back and scalp.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Md Subri Hashim urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence, saying it should serve as a lesson to Joharis and a reminder to those entrusted with caring for children.
“In this case, the police report was lodged by the teacher who taught the victim. This shows public awareness of cases like this,” he said.
Joharis, who was unrepresented, appealed for a lighter sentence, saying he earns RM3,500 a month and is responsible for supporting his family while his wife is unemployed.
“I promise I will not commit this offence again,” he said emotionally.
