Man fined RM1,500 for punching pregnant lover

KUCHING: A man took the audacious step of causing harm to his romantic partner, who happened to be a married woman, citing the challenge of sustaining their relationship due to his lover’s unresolved divorce from her husband.

However, the act resulted in dire consequences when Stephen, 34, a contract worker, was fined RM1,500 in default one month in jail by the Magistrate’s Court here today.

The accused pleaded guilty to a charge under Section 323 of the Penal Code read before Magistrate Zubaidah Sharkawi.

According to the charge, he intentionally caused injury by punching the face and waist of the 34-year-old victim in a house at Jalan Belatok, Taman Malihah, around 12.18 pm on August 8.

Upon conviction, he could be fined up to RM2,000 or imprisoned for up to one year or both.

According to the facts of the case, they have a nine-month-old son, and the victim is currently two months pregnant from their relationship that has been going on for two years.

During the incident, at the accused’s house, the victim was punched and hit with a piece of wood, causing injuries to the head and waist.

Concerned for her safety, the victim lodged a police report on the incident for further action.

It is understood that the accused admitted to having expelled the victim from his house many times but she insisted on staying with the accused for the sake of their child.

Furthermore, the accused also admitted difficulty in continuing their relationship since his girlfriend had not legally divorced her husband, besides facing challenges in registering the birth of their child.

The prosecution was handled by prosecuting officer Inspector Nur Shafiqa Nyaie Ilin, while the accused was not represented by a counsel.