Technician charged with sexually assaulting step-niece

IPOH: A technician from a telecommunications company accused of sexually assaulting his 13-year-old step-niece has claimed trial in the Sessions Court here.

The 58-year-old pleaded not guilty yesterday to two counts of sexual assault under the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.

He allegedly committed the offences at a house here on Sept 3 and 13.

If found guilty, he could be jailed up to 20 years and caned.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Naidatul Athirah Azman urged the court to deny bail.

“The accused is the brother of the victim’s stepfather.

“We don’t want the victim to be harassed by the accused,” she said.

Lawyer Ranjit Singh told the court that his client is the sole breadwinner with two wives and nine children.

“He also suffers from high blood pressure and is currently under medication,” he said.

Ranjit urged the court to grant bail, but with stricter requirements.

Judge Murtazadi Amran refused bail and fixed the case for mention on Oct 31.