JOHOR BARU: A 31-year-old man claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to a charge of raping his 15-year-old sister-in-law.
The labourer pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him before judge Madihah Zainol on Wednesday (Sept 24).
He is alleged to have committed the offence at a house in Kampung Parit Lapis Sayang, Benut, Pontian.
The accused was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code for rape, which carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and caning upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Nur Farah Wahida Shahudin requested that the court set bail at RM20,000 with one surety.
She also asked the court to impose additional conditions, that the suspect should not disturb the victim and prosecution witnesses, surrender his passport, and report to the nearest police station once a month.
However, his lawyer Mohamad Isa Mohamad Basir appealed to the court for a lower sum, as his client is the sole breadwinner.
Isa said the accused, who earns daily wages from odd jobs in the village, has two children, including one with epilepsy.
Madihah then set bail at RM10,000 with one surety and imposed the three additional conditions proposed by the prosecution.
She also set Oct 24 for next mention of the case and for the submission of documents.
The accused posted bail.
