Kuching makeup artist accused of forced oral sex on groom claims trial

KUCHING (Feb 3): A makeup artist has claimed trial in the Magistrates’ Court here to a charge of sexually assaulting his client.

The 24-year-old pleaded not guilty before Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali when the charge under Section 354 of the Penal Code was read to him.

Section 354 carries a jail term of up to 10 years, or a fine, or caning, or any two of the sentences, upon conviction.

The offence was allegedly committed at a serviced apartment on Jalan Wan Alwi here at around 5.40am on Saturday.

According to the charge sheet, the accused used criminal force on the 30-year-old groom with intention to outrage his modesty by holding his private part and attempting to suck it.

Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Afiq Safly Nor Kazly applied for a new date for pre-trial case management, which Nursyaheeqa set for March 6.

Defence counsel Abdul Rahman Mohamad Hazmi affirmed that the accused has no reason to abscond or fail to attend court when called upon.

The court granted the accused bail of RM2,500 deposited with two local sureties.

It is understood that the accused was arrested on the morning of the alleged incident.

Urine screenings on the accused were negative for drugs and he does not have any past criminal records.

The alleged incident went viral on social media the same day, sparking various public reactions.