Mohd Hafiz Zahidi,40 (on right) being led to the Ipoh High Courtroom to be charged for sexually assaulting his 11-year old stepson in Bandar universii,Seri Iskandar on Dec 2.
IPOH: A mechanic from Seri Iskandar has been charged at the Sessions Court here with sexually assaulting his 11-year-old stepchild.
The 40-year-old accused claimed trial after the charge, under Section 377B of the Penal Code read together with Section 34, was read out to him before judge Jean Sharmila Jesudason on Thursday (Dec 11).
The accused was said to have committed the offence at a house in Bandar Universiti in Seri Iskandar at about 7pm on Dec 2.
If found guilty, the accused could be jailed for up to 20 years and caned.
Deputy public prosecutor Nor Arfahanim Azureen Arfanuddin said the offence was non-bailable but proposed a sum of RM20,000 if the court allows it.
Nor Arfahanim Azureen said the accused is still staying in the same house as the victim, with his wife, who works as a bundle clothing seller, and another child.
The accused, who was unrepresented, said he earns about RM1,800 a month and still took care of the family.
"My wife earns about RM500, so I hope for a minimal bail amount," he said.
When asked who would bail him out, he said no one was present in court.
Jean Sharmila then set bail at RM8,000 with one local surety and ordered the accused to report to the police every month.
She also ordered the accused not to go near the victim until the case is over.
The judge then set Jn 29 for case mention.
