MUAR: A mechanic was charged in the Sessions Court with allegedly committing physical sexual assault against a female student in Batu Pahat, Johor.
The accused, Thivan Rajaretnam, 37, pleaded not guilty to the charge read before Judge Abu Bakar Manat.
According to the charge, the accused, a father of two, allegedly committed the act against the 16-year-old victim in a car in a village in Batu Pahat, at 12.30am on June 21.
He is charged under Section 14 (d) of the Child Sexual Offences Act 2017 and could be jailed up to 20 years and caned if found guilty.
Based on the victim's report, the accused had allegedly befriended the teenager through social media.
The accused allegedly lured the victim under the pretence of a meal out, but instead took her for a drive before committing the act.
After the incident, the victim was left by the roadside.
She was eventually picked up by her father and recounted the incident to him. He then filed a report at the Semerah police station that same day.
The prosecution was handled by Deputy Public Prosecutor Danial Munir while the accused was represented by lawyer Tan Song Yan.
Earlier, the prosecution informed the court that no bail was offered due to the serious nature of the offence and the inability to guarantee safety.
"This case involves the accused, a minor, and a student. However, if the court grants it, the prosecution proposes a bail of RM18,000 be imposed on the accused," he said.
The court then allowed bail of RM10,000 with one surety for the accused and set Aug 4 for further mention and document submission.
The court also directed the accused to report to the Kluang police station at the beginning of each month and to refrain from disturbing or communicating with the victim until the case is resolved.