IPOH: A 25-year-old teacher was slapped with six counts of physical sexual assault against a 14-year-old pupil at the Sessions Court here.
Muhammad Mifdzal Mohd Zalani Sham pleaded not guilty after the charges under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act were read before Judge Ainul Shahrin Mohamad on Wednesday (July 15).
The accused allegedly committed the offences at a house in Persiaran Guntong (S) 1/9 Kampung Chakadi here on July 5 between 1am and 7.26am.
Deputy Public Prosecutor M. Raveena informed the court that the offences were non-bailable.
However, she noted that the court holds the discretion to grant bail, suggesting a sum of RM20,000 for each charge to be paid by a local.
She also requested the accused not to disturb the victim and to report to the nearest police station once a month until the case is settled.
Representing the accused, lawyer Ameer Firdaus Mohd Amir appealed for a lower bail amount, requesting a combined sum of RM10,000 for all charges.
He said Muhammad Mifdzal is a practical teacher awaiting a permanent placement and intends to clear his name to safeguard his future career in the government sector.
"He has cooperated fully and attended court with a guarantor," he said, adding that the victim currently resides in Johor.
Judge Ainul Shahrin set bail at RM10,000 for all charges and set Aug 20 for mention.
