2007 04: Security guard gets 12 years for statutory rape

NST online. Local News. 21/04/07

KUCHING: She may only be 14, but she has already been with several men and isn’t sure who is the father of her unborn child.

In February, when she was five months’ pregnant, she met security guard, Gamgan Sultan, 55, and they fell in love. When her aunt found out about their relationship, the girl moved in with Gamgan. Two months later, the girl’s aunt traced her and reported her to the police. Gamgan was arrested on April 11. Yesterday, he pleaded guilty to the charge of statutory rape and Sessions Court judge Yew Jen Kie sentenced him to 12 years’ jail.

"Although you pleaded guilty, saved the court’s time and expenses, I have to consider the gravity of the case and the public interest," Yew said when passing sentence.

Gamgan said he slept with the girl every day, but claimed he never knew she was 14. "She was already pregnant, so I assumed she was a woman." Begging the court for leniency, Gamgan said his wife and children had left him a long time ago.

"I am old and nobody cares about me. Although the baby she is carrying is not mine, I promised to marry this girl before I was arrested.

"I am still willing to marry her."