Elderly Farmer Sentenced to Jail for Repeated Offence of Flashing a Teenager

The Facts of the Case

A 72-year-old padi farmer, Zainal Abidin Sabri, was sentenced to 18 days in jail by the Parit Buntar magistrates’ court after he pleaded guilty to flashing a teenager. The victim, an 18-year-old girl, was working in a shop when the incident occurred.

According to the facts of the case, Zainal approached the victim on the pretext of wanting to buy cooking oil and asked her numerous times for the panties she had on, but she ignored him. He then loitered in the premises and left after she realised that he was flashing her. CCTV recordings also showed that the suspect had regularly gone to the premises to harass the girl.

The Sentence

Magistrate Syaiful Akmal Razi said the decision to imprison Zainal was due to the fact it was not the first time the 72-year-old had committed the offence. “The court is rejecting the request for a fine to be imposed. Instead, you will be jailed for 18 days beginning today. And you will be released on the eve of Hari Raya,” Syaiful was quoted as saying.

Background

Zainal is a father of two and has a history of similar offences. This is not his first time committing the crime, which is why the court deemed it necessary to impose a prison sentence.

Conclusion

The case highlights the importance of taking into account a defendant’s prior record in meting out justice. While Zainal’s age may have been a mitigating factor, his repeated offending behaviour necessitated a prison sentence to ensure public safety and deter others from committing similar crimes.

FAQs

Q: Why was Zainal sentenced to jail?
A: Zainal was sentenced to jail because it was not his first time committing the offence of flashing a teenager.

Q: How long was Zainal sentenced to jail for?
A: Zainal was sentenced to 18 days in jail.

Q: When will Zainal be released from jail?
A: Zainal will be released on the eve of Hari Raya.