By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Oct 31: A man from Bandar Baru Permyjaya pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here yesterday to two counts of sexual assault against a 14-year-old girl.
The 24-year-old accused, who is unemployed, made his plea after the charges were read out to him in Bahasa Malaysia in the presence of Judge Steve Ritikos.
He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction.
According to the charge sheet, the accused allegedly committed the offence on March 26, 2019, at two separate locations at Bandar Baru Permyjaya; by a roadside nearby Lorong 4 and at an unnumbered house at Lorong 10.
The accused, who was unrepresented, was granted bail of RM7,000 with two local sureties for each charge.
The court fixed Nov 20 for pre trial case management. — DayakDaily
