IPOH: A 47-year-old electrician claimed trial at the Sessions Court to a charge of sexually assaulting his wife’s 11-year-old niece.
The man pleaded not guilty and claimed trial under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 read with Section 16 when the charge was read before Judge Jean Sharmila Jesudason.
The offence allegedly happened at a house in Bota at about 8am on Aug 31, and if convicted he faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Arfahanim Azreen Arfanuddin proposed bail at RM20,000 and for the accused to stay away from the victim.
In response, National Legal Aid Foundation lawyer Muhammad Farhan Ahmad Fadzil pleaded for lower bail as the accused earns RM1,800 a month as a self-employed electrician and supports his family.
He also cares for his wife, two children aged 13 and 10 and a bedridden aunt.
The judge set bail at RM8,000 with one surety.
She ordered the accused to report to the police once a month, stay away from the victim and all witnesses and set November 11 for mention.
