Brunei Court of Appeal increases sentence for sexual assault

On June 30, 2026, the Brunei Court of Appeal increased the prison sentence of a 36-year-old security guard convicted of kidnapping and sexually assaulting two boys. The individual had originally been sentenced to three years and four months' imprisonment and four strokes of the cane by the Intermediate Court after pleading guilty to charges including kidnapping and outraging modesty.

The Public Prosecutor appealed the sentence, arguing it was manifestly inadequate. The Court of Appeal agreed, noting the gravity of the offences, the young age of the victims, and the defendant's prior convictions. The court imposed consecutive sentences for all three charges, resulting in a total sentence of four years' imprisonment and four strokes of the cane.

This case underscores the judiciary's commitment to imposing appropriate penalties for serious sexual offences, particularly those involving minors.