Lorry driver claims trial to raping teenage daughter in hotel

BUTTERWORTH - A lorry driver pleaded not guilty in the magistrate's court here to raping his 14-year-old daughter, two months ago.

According to the charge sheet, the 39-year-old who was the victim’s biological father was accused of committing the offence in a hotel room at Simpang Ampat, Seberang Perai Selatan at about 2.30am on Oct 30.

He was charged under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code for raping the girl whose relationship to him is such that he is not permitted under the law, religion, custom or usage, to marry her.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohammad Syafiq Nasrullah Saleem Ali handled the prosecution while the accused was unrepresented.

Syafiq did not offer bail to the accused as it was a non-bailable offence and the case involved the latter’s daughter.

In pleading for bail, the father of five said he has to support his children, wife and parents.

“I work as a lorry driver with a monthly income of RM2,100. I have to care for four of my children who are still in school and my youngest is still a baby.

“My daughter (the victim) does not live with me after the divorce with my first wife, but I am still financially supporting them.

“I plead to the court to impose a low bail amount,” he said.

Magistrate Siti Zulaikha Nordin @ Ghani then allowed bail of RM10,000 with one surety to the accused.

“The court also prohibits you to go near the victim or harass her or the witnesses until the disposal of the case,” she said.

The case will be up for mention on Jan 30, next year, for the accused to engage a lawyer and for document submissions.