Senior citizen charged for molesting step- grandchild with object

MELAKA - A security guard was charged in the Sessions Court here yesterday with two counts of committing physical sexual assault against his 12-year-old step-granddaughter earlier this month.

The accused a 60-year-old however, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read out by the court interpreter in front of Judge Darmafikri Abu Adam.

The accused, who had a position of trust as a step-grandfather, was firstly charged with intentionally committing physical sexual assault against a 12-year-old girl.

The offense was allegedly committed between 9:20 pm and 10:30 pm at a house in the Jasin district on Aug 6.

If found guilty, the accused can be charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offenses Against Children Act 2017, and Section 16(a) of the same act, which provides for a prison sentence of up to 20 years and possible caning upon conviction.

For the second charge, he was accused of engaging in sexual conduct with an object involving the same victim at the same time, place, and date.

For this offense, he was charged under Section 377CA of the Penal Code and could be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than 30 years upon conviction.

Deputy Public Prosecutor N. Sivashangari did not offer any bail as the accused's offenses were deemed serious and could affect the safety of the victim and prosecution witnesses.

She also requested additional conditions that included surrendering his passport to the court, reporting to the police station every month starting from August as well as not interfering with the victim and prosecution witnesses during the proceedings.

The accused, represented by lawyer Umar Zulkarnain, appealed for a low bail to be granted, citing that he only earns income as a security guard and has to support his disabled wife (OKU).

The court then allowed the accused to be released on bail of RM12,000 with a surety and agreed to the additional conditions requested by the prosecution.

The court set Oct 9 as the next hearing date for the case and document submission.