Kota Kinabalu: An application by molest accused Philip Among (pic) to adjourn his case, adjourned on medical grounds was rejected by the magistrate Tuesday. Instead, he was allowed to recuperate while the proceedings continued.The technical head for 2021 Unduk Ngadau competition who is charged with four counts of molesting a 2021 State Unduk Ngadau contestant, was allowed medical leave for two weeks for hypertension.
Magistrate Stephanie Sherron Abbie did not allow the application by the defence to postpone the trial of Philip, 52.
She said she could not postpone the hearing as the witness had been arranged by the prosecution from another district.
Earlier, Philip’s counsel Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah who was assisted by Azhier Farhan Arisin, informed the court that Philip was advised by a doctor to rest and the medical leave was from June 17 until July 1 this year.
Fikry applied for adjournment of the hearing.
However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Hajar Mazlan raised objection against the application on the grounds that the witness was travelling far from the other district.
Phillip, faced four counts of molesting the 22-year-old Unduk Ngadau 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 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.
The trial of Philip had already started on Apr 12 this year for three days and so far the prosecution had called one witness in the hearing.
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