SEREMBAN: A 22-year-old man claimed trial in the Sessions Court here to two charges of sexually assaulting his 16-year-old female friend.
Muhammad Farish Hakimy Mohd Adham pleaded not guilty after the charges were read to him before Judge Surita Budin on Wednesday (April 1).
For the first charge, he allegedly committed physical sexual assault against the victim at a house in Taman Bukit Margosa.
The alleged offence was committed at about 12.05am on March 24.
He 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 whipping upon conviction.
For the second charge, he was accused of committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature against the same victim at the same place and time.
For this, he was charged under Section 377B of the Penal Code, which also provides for a jail term of up to 20 years and mandatory whipping upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Norazihah Asmuni then asked the court for a further mention date as the relevant reports were not ready.
She also applied for an order for the accused to stay away from the alleged victim and potential witnesses, and to report to the nearest police station until the case is disposed of.
Norazihah proposed bail of RM20,000 with one surety.
Counsel Datuk Hanif Hassan, representing Muhammad Farish Hakimy, pleaded for a lower amount as the accused is currently unemployed.
He said his client would also be facing two additional charges involving the same victim at the Kuala Pilah Sessions Court on Thursday (April 2), and that an excessive bail amount would be burdensome for the family.
Judge Surita then set bail at RM12,000 with one surety and allowed the other applications by the prosecution.
She fixed June 11 for the next mention of the case.
