IPOH: A retired army personnel in Batu Gajah has claimed trial to three charges of raping his 12-year-old daughter, who is now six months pregnant.
The 45-year-old was alleged to have raped the child at a house in Batu Gajah at about 11.30pm in mid-December last year.
He was also accused of committing physical sexual harassment on the victim in the same house in mid-December last year and on another day in January this year between 2.30pm and 8.30pm.
He pleaded not guilty after the charges under Section 376 (3) of the Penal Code and Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act were read before Sessions Court Judge J. Jean Sharmila here yesterday.
Deputy public prosecutor Qurratu’aini Khalifah said the victim is the accused’s third child among six siblings, all of whom are still studying.
Qurratu’aini requested for the accused to be denied bail, as he was staying in the same house as the victim.
“But if the court allows bail, we request the amount to be set at RM30,000,” she said.
When pleading for a lower bail, lawyer Muhammad Farhan Ahmad Fadzil said the accused was the sole breadwinner of his family.
“He relies on his monthly pension of approximately RM1,800 while his wife is not working.
“The accused has pledged to find another place to stay if allowed bail, and would adhere to any conditions set by the court,” he added.
Jean Sharmila ordered the accused not to approach the victim or witnesses.
She set bail at RM21,000 with one surety and Aug 18 for mention.
