Kuala Lumpur:A businessman was sentenced to six months in jail by the Magistrate's Court for assaulting his former girlfriend, resulting in injuries to her eyes and body. This incident occurred two years ago.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Magistrate Amira Sariaty Zainal handed down the sentence to Hoh Peng Onn, 47, after the defense failed to present reasonable doubt at the conclusion of the case. The court ordered the prison term to begin immediately and mandated Hoh to pay RM5,000 in compensation to the victim for the trauma and injuries she suffered.

If Hoh fails to pay the compensation today, he will face an additional two months in jail. However, the court approved a request by the defense counsel, Cheow Wee, to stay the prison sentence pending an appeal to the High Court but insisted that the compensation be provided today.

Hoh faced charges under Section 323 of the Penal Code for intentionally causing harm to Liaw Ju Shuang, 28, at a residence in Putra Permai Town Centre, Seri Kembangan, on October 5, 2024, at 1230 am. This section allows for a maximum of one year in jail, a fine of up to RM2,000, or both.

Amira Sariaty, in her judgment, noted that although the third prosecution witness, a neighbor, did not see the assault, they testified to seeing the victim with a bleeding head and bruises when she sought help. The neighbor subsequently contacted the police, leading to the victim's hospital treatment. The court found no reason for the victim to fabricate the accusations against Hoh.

During mitigation, the defense argued for a fine, citing Hoh's eyesight issues, which would complicate his imprisonment. However, Deputy Public Prosecutor Syed Ahmed Khabir Abdul Rahman advocated for a jail term and fine, emphasizing that public interest and the severity of the victim's injuries warranted compensation.