GEORGE TOWN: A 34-year-old accountant claimed trial in the Sessions Court here on Thursday (Nov 5) to sexually assaulting a 27-year-old woman at an apartment unit.
Then Zhi Quan pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to him before judge Irwan Suainbon.
He was accused of committing the offence at a unit in Ideal Residency, Jalan Lembah, Kampung Kastam 1, at about 4.15am on Aug 24 last year.
He was charged under Section 377CA of the Penal Code, which provides for up to 20 years' jail and caning if convicted.
Deputy public prosecutor M. Darrshini proposed bail of RM30,000 with additional conditions that the accused must not interfere with prosecution witnesses, including the victim.
The prosecution also requested that Then report to the nearest police station on the first day of every month until the case concludes.
In mitigation, defence counsel Sharmila Shanthini Mogan appealed for lower bail, saying Then was single and earned RM2,000 a month.
She said Then also supported his two retired parents.
Judge Irwan then set bail at RM10,000 with one surety.
The court also ordered Then not to interfere with prosecution witnesses, including the victim, and to report to the nearest police station on the first day of every month pending disposal of the case.
Dec 14 was fixed for next mention.
