KUALA LUMPUR: A 70-year-old grandfather was hauled to the Sessions Court today to face three counts of physical sexual assault on his teen granddaughter four months ago.
The accused said he understood all the charges and pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him before Judge Siti Aminah Ghazali.
The charge sheets alleged that he– as a grandfather who is in a trusted relationship with his granddaughter– had deliberately committed the offences on the teenager by touching her chest, neck and mouth for sexual purposes.
It occurred at a house in Brickfields between 6am to 9pm in mid-August this year.
The offence falls under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, read together with Section 16(1) of the same Act.
Under Section 14(a), it carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and is liable for whipping.
Section 16(1) provides for jail not more than five years and not less than two strokes of the cane.
Deputy public prosecutor Noorhani Muhmmed (correct) Ayub proposed RM10,000 for each charge.
As an additional condition, she said the accused must not harass the victim until the case is disposed of.
In mitigation, the accused, who was unrepresented, asked for a lower bail.
"I am 70 years old and not working. My children are supporting me and will post bail for me," he said.
Judge Siti Aminah set bail at RM5,000 for each charge with one surety.
She also ordered the accused against harassing the victim and prosecution witnesses.
The court set Jan 29 for mention.
