SEREMBAN: A 72-year-old man has claimed trial in the Sessions Court here to a charge of committing physical sexual assault on a seven-year-old girl.
Rusli Abdul Hamid pleaded not guilty to the charge read out before judge Surita Budin on Monday (Feb 23).
The accused was charged with committing the offence at an eatery in Kg Parit, Kuala Pilah, at around 10am on Dec 12.
Rusli was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and caning upon conviction.
Earlier, Rusli pleaded guilty after the charge was read to him.
However, when the court interpreter read him the facts of the case before he was about to be sentenced, Rusli said he merely touched the victim's clothes, and not her body.
He then changed his plea.
Deputy public prosecutor Nurul Balkis Zunaidi asked the court for another mention date to allow the accused to appoint a lawyer.
Judge Surita then fixed April 1 for next mention.
The accused was denied bail.
