SEREMBAN: A 51-year-old man claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to a charge of committing physical sexual assault against his 16-year-old adopted daughter.
The suspect, who is a civil servant with a government department in Jelebu, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him before judge Surita Budin.
The accused was charged with committing the offence at a house in Durian Tipus in Jelebu in May last year.
He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, which carries a jail term not exceeding 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Nor Baizura Mohd Saubian then told the court that the prosecution was offering the accused bail of RM20,000 with one surety pending next case mention.
Lawyer for the accused Nur'ain Shahiera Khalid asked for a low amount as the accused had to provide for his wife and eight children including the victim.
"The accused earns only RM2,500 a month and his wife is unemployed.
"He is also not a flight risk," she said, adding that the defence would not contest other conditions set by the prosecution.
When judge Surita asked where the alleged victim was staying currently, Nor Baizura said she was admitted at the Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital and would be handed over to the Welfare Department upon her discharge.
The court then fixed bail at RM12,000 with one surety and ordered the accused not to contact the victim or other witnesses.
He was also ordered to report at the nearest police station once a month until the case is disposed of.
Surita then fixed Nov 27 for next mention.
