Petra Jaya man who struck wife on the head with mobile phone gets a year behind bars

KUCHING (Jan 13): The Magistrates’ Court here has sentenced a 50-year-old man to 12 months in prison for striking his wife on the head using a mobile phone.

Magistrate Nursyaheeqa Nazwa Radzali convicted Palli Jite on his own guilty plea to a charge under Section 323 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 326A of the same Code.

Section 323 carries a prison sentence of up to one year, or a fine of up to RM2,000, or both upon conviction, while Section 326A provides for imprisonment of up to twice the maximum term prescribed for the offence under the relevant section, notwithstanding any other punishment provided for that offence.

The offence was committed at house in Bandar Baru Samariang, Petra Jaya here at 1.15am last Thursday.

According to the facts of the case, during an altercation, Palli hit his wife, who is of the same age, by swinging the phone in his hand against her head.

As a result, she suffered a laceration over her occipital region, which was confirmed by a subsequent medical report.

The wife later lodged a police report, which led to Palli’s arrest.

Investigations revealed that the altercation stemmed from Palli questioning the victim’s responsibilities as a wife.

Deputy public prosecutor Chuah Kai Sheng appealed for a deterrent sentence, citing the victim’s statement that he always acted roughly towards her when under the influence of alcohol.

Palli did not have legal representation.