BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Magistrates’ Court yesterday scheduled an October trial date for a man charged for outraging the modesty of a woman.

The defendant Mohamad Ashri Hj Pungut, 44, is facing two counts ofoutraging the modesty of the 40 year-old woman on two separate times on May 23 and May 31; a charge of assaulting the woman when the defendant hit her head twice with a flashlight and; a charge of public indecency when he pulled down his shorts to reveal his underwear in front of an audio store on May 15.

Ashri claimed trial to all of the four charges and indicated that he has two witnesses for the trial.

Meanwhile, prosecuting officer Shamshuddin Hj Kamaluddin has indicated they have 12 prosecution witnesses who will give evidence during the trial.

During the proceedings yesterday, Ashri sought to be released on bail on grounds that he has five children and an elderly mother who needs his support.

He further told the court that he promises to abide to the bail conditions and not contact the complainant or be at her vicinity.

“I do not want to add more to the problem that already exists, I do not want more charges to be added,” said Ashri.

The defendant’s bail was revoked on June 2 after he was found to have breached his bail conditions of not approaching the victim which led to the additional charge of outraging the modesty of Miss X on May 31.

The presiding senior magistrate Hj Nabil Daraina PDH Badaruddin rejected the application in view of the defendant who had breached his earlier conditions when he allegedly approached the victim and grabbed her buttocks on May 31.

“Mere words of promise will not earn you the court bail that you seek,” said the senior magistrate.

A further mention of the case will be held on July 13 to set trial dates. Meanwhile, Ashri is to be further remanded at Jerudong Prison pending the next court session.

The Brunei Times