SEREMBAN: A 60-year-old man claimed trial to two charges of sexually assaulting his six-year-old stepgrandson.
The accused pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to him before Sessions Court judge Surita Budin on Friday (Feb 14).
For the first charge, he allegedly committed carnal intercourse against the order of nature without consent.
He allegedly committed the offence between January and February this year at a house in Kg Gentam in Kuala Pilah.
The accused was charged under Section 377C of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
For the second charge, he allegedly committed physical sexual assault on the same victim at the same place and time.
He was charged under Section 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, read together with Section 16 of the same Act.
The offence carries a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Nurul Balkis Zunaidi told the court that the prosecution was not offering bail.
"However, if the court decides to grant bail to the accused, then we hope a high amount is set," she said, adding that the accused should also be ordered to stay away from the victim and witnesses, as well as to report himself to the nearest police station once a month until the case is disposed of.
The accused, who was not represented, pleaded for a low amount, saying that he earned about RM1,000 a month doing odd jobs in the village.
Surita set bail at RM10,000 with one surety and allowed other conditions by the prosecution.
She fixed March 19 for the next mention.
