KUCHING, April 5: A 60-year-old man pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexually abusing a 14-year-old child in Bau in the Sessions Court today.
Judge Iris Awen Jon granted the accused RM8,000 cash bail with two local sureties for the amended charges he faces and set May 6, 2024, for case management.
The accused is also required to report to the Bau Police Station monthly until the case concludes.
The judge also ordered the accused not to contact the victim or the victim’s family during the proceedings, with failure to comply risking bail revocation.
The charges, amended under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offenses Against Children Act 2017, carry a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping if convicted.
The allegations state that the accused sexually assaulted the victim by touching her breast and kissing her cheek for sexual gratification on March 22 and 25, 2024, respectively, at a residence on Jalan Tasik Biru in Bau.
It’s understood that the accused was hired by the victim’s grandfather to transport the victim to school since March 19, 2024.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Ruvinasini Pandian handled the prosecution, while the accused, employed as a water dealer, was represented by lawyer Alex Kong. — DayakDaily
