PETALING JAYA: The High Court in Kuala Terengganu today acquitted a former assistant bowling coach who was accused of molesting a 14-year-old Malaysian Games (Sukma) athlete seven years ago.
Judge Hassan Abdul Ghani allowed the appeal filed by Mat Salleh Jalani, 61, overturning the 18-month prison sentence previously imposed by the magistrates’ court.
The appeal is allowed, and the conviction and sentence are set aside, Sinar Harian reported the judge as saying.
Mat Salleh had been accused of using criminal force with intent to outrage the modesty of the victim by touching her genitals.
The offence, under Section 354 of the Penal Code, was allegedly committed inside a car at the Paya Bunga Sentral parking lot at about 5pm in May 2017.
Eleven witnesses were called to testify.
The Kuala Terengganu magistrates’ court had found him guilty and sentenced him to 18 months in jail. He then filed an appeal.
The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutor Nur Aisyah Mohamad, while Mat Salleh was represented by Nadzir Abdullah and Marlisa Marzuki.
