SEREMBAN: A 51-year-old man has claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to committing physical sexual assault on his 16-year-old adopted daughter.
The suspect, 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 told the court that the prosecution was offering the accused bail of RM20,000 with one surety.
Lawyer for the accused Nur’ain Shahiera Khalid asked for a lower amount as the accused had to provide for his wife and eight children, including the victim.
When judge Surita asked where the alleged victim was staying currently, Nor Baizura said she had been admitted at Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar 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, and to report to the nearest police station once a month until the case is disposed of.
Surita then fixed Nov 27 for the next mention of the case.
