MUAR: A bridal boutique assistant was charged in the Sessions Court here today with allegedly raping his cousin, resulting in her pregnancy.
The 21-year-old accused claimed trial after the charge was read by an interpreter before judge Abu Bakar Manat.
He was accused of committing sexual assault against the victim at her house in Kluang about 9.30pm in June.
The accused was charged under Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years, and whipping on conviction.
Based on the report, the victim first received treatment at a clinic after complaining of stomach pain but was subsequently referred to Enche Besar Hajjah Khalsom Hospital in Kluang.
Hospital checks revealed the victim was pregnant and a police investigation found that the Form Two student was raped by her cousin during a family day in Mersing last December.
The victim also said the accused had sexually assaulted her again when he visited her home six months after the rape incident.
Following the report, police arrested the accused on July 24 to assist in the investigation.
The prosecution was handled by Deputy public prosecutor Danial Munir, while the accused was not represented.
Earlier, Danial argued against granting bail to the accused, taking into account factors including the link between the first rape incident, which was still under police investigation.
"The prosecution wants the court to consider the family relationship between the victim and the accused whose homes are not far away," he said.
After hearing the arguments and appeals of both parties, the judge rejected bail and set Aug 25 for the submission of documents and appointment of a lawyer for the accused.