Kota Kinabalu: A government servant was freed from the charge of molesting a woman by the Magistrate’s Court, Friday.
Magistrate Lovely Natasha Charles discharged and acquitted Christopher Chiu, 51, without his defence being called, ruling that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.
Chiu allegedly caressed the woman’s breasts at 10.20am on March 29 at the Automation Engineering Division of the Road Transport Department at Jalan Bundusan, Penampang.
He had on Dec 1, 2023, claimed trial to the charge under Section 354 of the Penal Code.
Six prosecution’s witnesses testified during the prosecution stage.
Chiu was represented by counsels Yong Pei Yi, Dicky Lo and Cornelius Chua.
Meanwhile, a 55-year-old man was fined RM25 or a day’s jail for behaving in a threatening manner towards a man.
Hubert Charles admitted before Magistrate Stephanie to committing the offence towards Surezza Ng, 63, with the intention of disturbing the peace on June 24, at 6pm, Bukit Bantayan Residence.
The charge under Section 8(1)(e) of the Minor Offences Ordinance provides for a RM25 fine, on conviction.
The facts of the case presented by the prosecution stated that on the said day, the complainant was at the car park when Hubert approached him with a stick, threatening and challenging him to a fight and accused him of throwing rotten eggs into his house.
Their argument was diffused by the security guard on duty. Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Ling Guong Zhi and Inspector Suzie S.K. prosecuted.
