KOTA BARU: An elderly man was charged in the Sessions Court here, today, with three counts of sexual assault against his 8-year-old grandniece early last month.
The 65-year-old retired soldier pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read before judge Zulkifli Abdullah.
According to the first to third charges, the accused is alleged to have sexually assault a girl aged 8.
The acts were said to have taken place in a house in Kampung Pintu Gang here, between June 2 and June 7.
The accused is charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and can be punished under Section 14 of the same act.
The offence carries a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding 20 years and caning, if found guilty.
Deputy public prosecutor Siti Edabayu Subhan prosecuted, while the accused was represented by lawyer Muhammad Khairul Azwan Azhan.
Earlier, Siti Edabayu opposed bail for the accused, citing the seriousness of the case and the fact that he is the victim's granduncle.
However, Khairul requested that the court allow bail due to his client's age and medical conditions.
Siti Edabayu then suggested bail be set at RM20,000 with one surety, with the additional condition that the accused does not disturb the victim and prosecution witnesses.
The court then allowed the accused to be released on bail of RM15,000 with one surety and set Aug 25 for the next mention of the case.
The accused paid the bail.