Pastor claims trial to sexually abusing adopted daughter

PUTRAJAYA: A pastor will remain in the lock-up after he was denied bail over charges of sexually abusing his adopted daughter.

The 49-year-old claimed trial to carnal intercourse against the order of nature by forcing the then 11-year-old to perform oral sex on him.

The offence under Section 377C of the Penal Code was alleged to have occurred in November 2011, in their home in Petaling Jaya.

The accused also pleaded not guilty to a second offence of committing physical sexual assault on the victim, who is now 17 years old.

The offence under Section 14(a) of Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 was alleged to have occurred on Oct 7, 2017 in the same location.

Both offences carry the same punishment of up to 20 years imprisonment and whipping, upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nordalina Ali urged the court not to grant bail as the accused was the victim's adoptive father and could harass the victim and her family.

The accused's lawyer S. Sivaperumal pleaded for bail, saying that denying bail would be a presumptive punishment by forcing the pastor to remain in jail before being convicted.

Judge for the special Sessions Court for child sexual cases, Yong Zarida Sazali agreed with the prosecution and denied bail.

She fixed Dec 4 for mention.