Home detention for Malaysian ex-diplomat in New Zealand sex assault
Wellington - A former military attache at the Malaysian High Commission was sentenced to nine months home detention on Thursday for indecently assaulting a woman in her home in Wellington in 2014.Muhammad Rizalman, 39, earlier pleaded guilty to indecently
In his sentencing report Wellington High Court judge David Collins said he was satisfied that Rizalman had a sexual motive when he followed Billingsley home.
But he said the case was unusual because Rizalman had hoped to engage in a consensual sexual relationship, not to force himself on Billingsley.
Justice Collins said Rizalman was in an abnormal state of mind at the time of the offending because he had been taking synthetic cannabis.
But he said this was not a mitigating factor.
"You terrified Ms Billingsley when you entered her home and bedroom... and she continues to suffer from the trauma of that night."
Rizalman was to serve his sentence at the rental property where he was currently living, and pay reparations of an undisclosed amount.
After his sentence, he is to be deported to Malaysia.
Rizalman claimed diplomatic immunity and left New Zealand after being arrested in May 2014 but was later returned to face the charges.
- DPA
