Kota Kinabalu: A 46-year-old lorry driver was charged with committing sexual harassment against his stepdaughter.
The man pleaded not guilty before Sessions Court Judge Ummur Khaltom Abd Samad to the charge against him on Monday.
The man is accused of committing the offence by hugging the 14-year-old as well as kissing her forehead and cheek between 10pm and 10.40pm on Oct 1 this year at the kitchen of a house in Inanam, here.
The offence, under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, provides for a jail term of up to 20 years, and whipping, on conviction.
Due to relation between the man and the alleged victim, the man will face additional punishment under Section 16(1) of the same Act which carries a jail term of up to five years, and whipping of at least two strokes, on conviction.
The court set Jan 6, 2023 for pre-trial case management and released the man on bail of RM15,000 in two local sureties and one of the surety must be his wife.
The man was also ordered to report to Inanam police station every second and fourth Monday every month.
The court also warned the man to not contact or communicate with any prosecution witnesses especially the alleged victim either physical or through any device for example handphone.
In the event, if the court receive an official report or complaint, his bail would be revoked.
The court ordered the prosecution to check and confirm with the Immigration Department whether the man has passport and then court will make an order as to that.
Upon failing to furnish the bail, the man will be detained under Section259 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Fauzi Acho who stood in for DPP Siti Hajar Mazlan, appeared for the prosecution while counsel Sharonne Nicole Noivont defended the man.
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