A 20-year-old Malaysian man has been sentenced to 240 hours of community service within 12 months after he pleaded guilty to a charge of raping an underage girl.

Sinar Harian reported that the accused, Yarits Dzikri Yunus, who worked as a delivery driver, committed the offence against the victim—who was 13 years and 10 months old at the time—at a store near a residence in Kampung Ulu Beranang, Lenggeng on August 22.

The offence falls under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.

Image Credit: Kosmo!

Earlier, lawyer Asmawi Ismail requested the minimum sentence and argued that a prison term was not appropriate as the accused was a young offender with no previous record.

The lawyer also said the accused met the victim through a Telegram group, where the account displayed pornographic material featuring the victim and offered sexual services.

“You need to be at least 18 years old to be a member of the Telegram group. The accused assumed the victim was also within the age range of 18,” he argued.

Image Credit: MUO

The community service sentence was handed down by Judge Datin Surita Budin after considering the defence's mitigation plea, the case facts, aggravating factors, and a social report with recommendations from a Social Welfare Department (JKM) officer.

The accused was also ordered to comply with 10 additional conditions, including reporting to the nearest police station every month, attending counselling sessions, and adhering to the activity schedule set by JKM officers.

Additionally, he was required to post a RM5,000 bond with a family member as surety. Failure to do so could result in up to one year in prison.

If the accused does not complete the community service or follow the conditions, he may be brought back to court and face the original penalties.

Featured Image Credit: Sinar Harian, Freepik