MUAR: A telecommunications contractor broke down in tears after he was charged at the Sessions Court here today with raping a 14-year-old student in Segamat.
The accused, 22, was emotional and comforted by his family members before the proceedings, which were presided by judge Sayani Mohd Nor.
According to the charge sheet, the accused is accused of raping the underage girl at his home between 1am and 2am on two occasions between September and October this year.
The charges, under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and caning if convicted.
Reports indicate that the accused met the victim through the Telegram messaging app before they arranged to meet in Segamat. It is alleged that he took her to his house, where the incidents occurred.
The matter came to light when the victim confided in a friend, who informed their school counsellor. The victim's father lodged a report at the Jementah police station.
Deputy public prosecutor Danial Munir proposed bail of RM30,000 for both charges with additional conditions.
The court set bail at RM16,000 with one surety.
The accused was also ordered to report to the nearest police station every month and prohibited from approaching or disturbing the victim until the conclusion of the case.
The court fixed Dec 24 for document submission and the appointment of legal representation for the accused.