KOTA BARU, MALAYSIA - A 22-year-old man who attempted to rape and murder a teenager, and then went on the run for 11 days before surrendering to the police, was sentenced to eight years' jail.

Ahmad Haniff Mohd Yasin pleaded guilty in the Sessions Court here yesterday to both charges after the trial had partly proceeded.

Judge Gulam Muhiaddeen Abdul Aziz sentenced him to eight years' jail for attempted murder and four years' jail for attempted rape.

The sentences were to run concurrently from the date of his arrest.

Gulam Muhiaddeen said he viewed the crime seriously as the accused had caused the 16-year-old girl to suffer severe trauma. But he also took into consideration the age of the accused and the fact that he had shown remorse.

Ahmad Haniff was charged with committing both offences at a shed in an oil palm estate at Kampung Serongga, Pasir Mas, on May 9, 2006.

According to the facts, Ahmad Haniff hit the girl, slashed her with a parang and attempted to rape her.

When she feigned death, he tried to set her on fire.

But she managed to escape from the shed before it was engulfed in flames.

The girl was found semi-conscious by firemen responding to a distress call.

Ahmad Haniff went on the run for 11 days before surrendering himself at the Pasir Mas police station.

Deputy public prosecutor Madihah Zainol appeared for the prosecution while Ahmad Haniff was represented by Karmazubi Shaary. - NST