Man charged with trying to rape niece

ALOR SETAR: A 48-year-old welder has claimed trial to three sexual assaults on his eight-year-old niece.

He is alleged to have committed the offences in a house at Kampung Bukit Larek, Pokok Sena here, between June 16 and June 18.

The man denied attempting to rape the girl in the house at about 3pm on June 16.

The offence under Section 375(g) of the Penal Code, is punishable under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code with a maximum 15-year jail term and whipping, upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Rehab Abdul Shukur asked the court not to allow bail as the accused is related to the victim. She informed judge Juraidah Abbas that the accused was previously jailed 16 years for a rape offence.

The court fixed Oct 7 for mention of the case.

In another court, the welder was charged with physical sexual assault on the girl in the house at about 2pm on June 17.

He is also alleged to have touched the girl’s private parts at about 5pm at the same place on June 18.

The offences under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act carry a maximum 20-year imprisonment and whipping if convicted.

Judge Azman Abu Hassan also fixed Oct 7 for mention of the case.

He did not grant bail.

DPP Rehab told the courts that she would apply for the cases to be heard in a joint trial.