Judge Rasyihah Ghazali ordered the 43-year-old to serve his sentence at Kajang prison starting today, according to a report by Bernama.
Azman was also mandated to undergo counselling during his incarceration and to remain under police supervision for two years following the completion of his sentence.
Azman was accused of the physical sexual assault of a 17-year-old teenager at a homestay in Jalan Kebun, Shah Alam, in September 2017.
He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and caning, upon conviction.
Azman was accused of touching the teenager’s body sexually after inviting the boy to spend the night at a homestay he had rented in Jalan Kebun.
On Dec 17, the Seremban sessions court sentenced Azman to seven years in prison and two strokes of the cane for four amended charges of physical sexual assault involving two teenage boys two years ago.
On Dec 6, the Klang magistrates’ court sentenced him to 14 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to committing an obscene act against an 18-year-old boy two years ago.
On Sept 27, the Klang sessions court sentenced him to 24 years in prison and two strokes of the cane after finding him guilty of two charges of physical sexual assault against a 17-year-old boy.
At today’s court proceedings, Azman’s lawyer Fahmi Adilah appealed for the minimum sentence based on several factors, including the fact that his client is currently serving his prison sentence in Kajang.
“The accused is a former celebrity preacher who had no prior criminal record or offences before his arrest. His guilty plea stems from remorse and regret.
“Since Sept 27, the accused has been serving his sentence and actively participating in religious programmes that benefit other inmates and prison staff, reflecting his repentance,” said Fahmi, assisted by lawyer Zahid Ahmad.
However, deputy public prosecutor Rasyidah Murni Adzmi urged the court to impose a sentence that prioritises public interest and serves as a deterrent.
“Regardless of the mitigation presented, given that he was a celebrity preacher, his actions are unacceptable, especially since it involves children.
“The sentence should teach the accused a lesson and serve as a wake-up call to society,” she said during the proceedings.