MUAR: An assistant lorry driver was charged at the Sessions Court here today with committing physical sexual assault on his stepdaughter last year.
The 45-year-old father of two children from his previous marriage pleaded not guilty to the offence when the charge was read to him before Judge Sayani Mohd Nor.
According to the charge sheet, the man was accused of committing the offence on the victim, who was 11 at the time, at a house in the district on Dec 6 last year.
He was charged under Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
Deputy public prosecutor Danial Munir prosecuted while the accused was unrepresented.
The prosecution did not offer any bail after taking into consideration several factors including the fact that the accused and the victim are living in the same house.
"This is a serious offence. The court should take into consideration that the victim is only 11 years old.
"The relationship between the victim and the accused is that of a stepdaughter and stepfather, which could potentially affect the progress of this case," Danial said.
The court granted the prosecution's application and did not grant bail to the accused.
The court also set Oct 9 as mention, submission of documents as well as to enable the accused to appoint a lawyer.