MELAKA: A 33-year-old Rohingya refugee pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court in Ayer Keroh here on Friday (Aug 9) to committing physical sexual assault on a teen girl.
The accused's plea was recorded before Judge Azaraorni Abd Rahman.
Based on the details in the charge sheet, the accused had allegedly hugged, kissed the cheeks, and caressed the private parts and breasts of a 14-year-old girl who was his neighbour's child.
The charge was framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Rashidah Baharum prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented.
The court denied bail for the accused and set Sept 9 as the next mention date.
