BUTTERWORTH: A widower pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here yesterday to a charge of raping his grand-niece between 2022 and 2023.
The 67-year-old pensioner claimed trial after the charge was read out before Judge Nor Azah Kasran.
According to the charge, the father of four is accused of raping a girl who was nine years old at the time.
The offence was allegedly committed at a house in Permatang Kerai Besar, Kepala Batas, here, between 2022 and 2023.
He was charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which provides for a jail term of at least 10 years and not more than 30 years, as well as whipping, if convicted.
Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Rifaie Mohamed Riyaludin handled the prosecution, while the accused was represented by Yazid Khairul Azman and Ismat Arif Abu Hassan.
Muhammad Rifaie did not offer bail, citing the man’s relationship with the victim as her grand-uncle and the close proximity of their residences, which could pose a risk of him disturbing the victim.
However, the lawyers requested that the accused be granted bail because he has health issues and requires regular hospital treatment.
The court granted the accused bail of RM12,000 with one surety.
He must also report to a police station every month and is forbidden from disturbing the victim and prosecution witnesses until the case is concluded.
The court set Sept 24 for mention of the case.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
