KOTA KINABALU, Dec. 11 -- A 61-year-old man was fined RM2,000 or jailed five months by the Magistrate's Court for molesting a 20-year-old woman.

Gerard Idit pleaded guilty before Magistrate Dzul Elmy Yunus to committing the offence against the part-time worker at 2pm on April 9 at a hotel banquet office.

The court heard that the victim, feeling unwell, had rested alone when Gerard, a banquet manager known to her, entered, held her by the neck, and molested her.

He was arrested following the victim's report.

Gerard was charged under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which carries up to 10 years' jail, a fine, whipping, or any two of the penalties on conviction.

During mitigation, his counsel requested consideration for a good behaviour b...