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.
For the first charge, he had allegedly sexually assaulted the victim in a house in Taman Bukit Margosa.
The alleged offence was committed around 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 not exceeding 20 years and whipping.
For the second, he was charged with committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature against the same victim at the same place and time.
For this, the accused was charged under Section 377B of the same legislation, which also provides a jail term of not more than 20 years and whipping.
Deputy public prosecutor Norazihah Asmuni then asked the court for a next mention date as the relevant reports were not ready.
She also asked the court to order the accused to stay away from the alleged victim and potential witnesses and to report to the nearest police station until his case is disposed of.
Norazihah offered the accused bail of RM20,000 with one surety.
Muhammad Farish Hakimy’s counsel, Datuk Hanif Hassan, pleaded for a lower amount as the accused was unemployed.
He said his client would also be facing two additional charges at the Kuala Pilah Sessions Court, and an excessive amount would be burdensome to his family.
Judge Surita then set bail at RM12,000 with one surety and allowed the prosecution’s other applications.
