KUALA LUMPUR: A 29-year-old real estate agent charged with taking upskirt photographs cried in court after he pleaded guilty.

Before sentencing, magistrate Nur A’minahtul Mardiah asked Long Jhow Weh why he had committed such a gross act.

Long, who spoke in Mandarin, claimed he had a mental problem although he did not have any medical records to prove it.

A teary-eyed Long apologised in court, begging for forgiveness from all women for his actions.

He was charged with outraging the modesty of a 21-year-old student walking up an escalator at Mid Valley Megamall at around 6.10pm last Saturday.

Long’s lawyer Lim Cheong Kiat said his client was remorseful and had apologised.

DPP Noor Svetlana Mohd Noor Nordin urged the court to mete out a harsh punishment in view of public interest as the crime was committed in a public place.

“A woman’s modesty has been tarnished, unlike a physical injury, such a crime is not easily healed,” said Svetlana.

Before passing judgment, Nur A’minahtul said public interest must come ahead of the accused’s.

She said a woman had been humiliated in what should have been a leisurely shopping trip.

The magistrate sentenced Long to 10 days’ jail with RM6,000 fine for taking upskirt pictures.

Long started crying after the sentence was announced but was consoled by his family members.

He later paid the fine.