Sabah politician denies molesting, only helping with her photography poses
Phillip Among tells court that as the technical director for the pageant and photographer, it was common for him to help models pose during photoshoots
Encik Phillip Among, 53, told the Kota Kinabalu magistrates’ court that he was simply helping the victim pose for a photoshoot, according to The Borneo Post.
The suspended Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR) member said this was common practice for him during model shoots as a technical director of the pageant and photographer.
Phillip, the first defence witness, said he had never touched the contestant’s back as alleged, and claimed she had made a false accusation against him.
Under examination-in-chief by his counsel, Encik Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah, he said the contestant was “very cheerful” about taking part in the photoshoot, as part of a promotional video for the pageant.
“During the photoshoot sessions, the contestant did not show any sign of discomfort.
“She also expressed her appreciation and gratitude to me for the assistance and sponsorship I provided,” he was quoted as saying.
The accused also said he previously sponsored her accommodation for a separate event and helped arrange for her transport to Kota Kinabalu for the pageant.
"She also requested funds and assistance with accommodation and the purchase of necessities.”
Phillip’s trial began yesterday, Friday 15 November 2024 and will resume before magistrate Marilyn Kelvin on 13 January 2025.
He is standing trial on four charges of molesting the pageant contestant on four occasions in Kota Kinabalu on 19 May 2021.
He is accused of committing the acts at a studio, inside a moving car after dinner, at the staircase beside another studio and inside an office.
The charges are framed under Section 354 of the Penal Code for criminal force to outrage a person’s modesty, punishable by up to 10 years’ jail, a fine, whipping or any of the two punishments, upon conviction.
By Fauzi Kadir Chief Editor |
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