A three-member bench, comprising Justices Ahmad Zaidi Ibrahim, Azman Abdullah and Azmi Ariffin, dismissed the appeal by Nur Hidayat Selliman, 31, to reduce the punishment, Bernama reported.

In a written judgment dated July 31 and posted on the judicial website, Azmi said the severity of the punishment was appropriate, given the heinous nature of the crime and the necessity to protect children.

He also said the appellant had taken advantage of the girl without showing any remorse or sympathy.

“We opine that the appellant, as an adult with mature thinking, certainly could think that his wild act will not only end in harm and disaster to himself but, worst, affect the purity, honour and dignity of the victim.”

Azmi also said the remorse expressed by Hidayat to the court now no longer had any value.

“No use crying over spilt milk now,” he said, adding that the harsh sentence served as both a deterrent and a reminder of the court’s commitment to addressing such heinous crimes.

The appellant was convicted by the Johor Bahru sessions court on Dec 21, 2022 for raping the girl at a hotel in Batu Pahat on Nov 20, 2020.

In addition to the prison term and caning, Hidayat was also ordered to be on police probation for two years following his release.

The Muar High Court had previously dismissed Hidayat’s appeal against the conviction and sentence. He then filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal against the sentence.