Kota Kinabalu: The hearing of an Unduk Ngadau (Kaamatan beauty contest) participant who claims she was molested by the pageant’s Technical Director, last year, had to be stopped midway when she began sobbing loudly while testifying.She became emotional when asked what happened between her and Philip Among, the accused, while in his office in Metro Town.
She claimed Philip held her hands, squeezed her shoulders and her thighs. At this point she could not continue and started to cry uncontrollably.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Hajar Mazlan then asked for the hearing to be stopped for few minutes.
When she started crying aloud upon leaving the courtroom, Magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie had to summon all parties and the victim.
Siti Hajar told the court she would apply for the contestant to testify using the witness room. However, she did not seem able to continue and the trial had to be ended early.
The court fixed May 19 for the trial to resume.
Phillip, 52, faces four counts of molesting the contestant on May 19, 2021 at 2pm, 3.30pm, 9.45pm and 10pm, respectively at a staircase next to Ever Best Photo in Asia City, in Studio Darvel Bay Borneo Holidays Sdn Bhd in Asia City, in a moving vehicle while on the way from a dinner place to an old office in the city and in an office in Metro Town.
He was charged under Section 354 of the Penal Code that provides for a jail term of up to 10 years, or with fine or with whipping or with any two of such punishments, on conviction.
Phillip had on June 10, 2021, claimed trial to the charges.
Earlier, the witness testified that she asked permission from Philip to bring her friend, one Chuliza, to the hotel because she afraid to stay alone but Philip did not allow her citing Covid-19.
She said Philip told her that he would ask his staff to stay with her in the hotel.
She further said Philip brought her to his office in Metro Town and they arrived there at about 10pm on May 19, 2021.
“When I was in the office, Philip asked me to enter the room. He told me the place will be used for the shooting.
“While in the room, he held my hands, squeezed my shoulders and my thighs….” She then started to cry.
During the proceedings, the alleged victim identified the photographer during the photo shoot sessions as “Orang Putih Kita” who was present in court.
Phillip who was released on extended bail, was represented by counsel Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah and Azhier Farhan Arisin.
