Father of 2 ordered to enter defence over child sexual assault charge
MUAR: The Magistrate's Court here today ordered a highway maintenance worker to enter his defence over allegations of sexually assaulting a child under his wife's care two years ago.
The 42-year-old father of two, was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
He pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Sayani Mohd Nor made the ruling after finding that the prosecution, led by Othman Affan Ismail, had successfully established a prima facie case against the accused.
"In delivering the decision, the court considered witness testimonies, documentary evidence, and submissions from both parties.
"After thorough evaluation, the court finds that the prosecution has established a prima facie case.
"The accused is now given three options: to make a sworn statement from the witness box, make an unsworn statement from the dock, or remain silent," said Sayani.
Defence counsel Syafie Naim, from the National Legal Aid Foundation, said his client had chosen to give a sworn statement from the witness box and would call one witness during the defence stage on June 16.
The man is accused of sexually assaulting a four-year-old girl who was under the care of his wife while the child's parents were at work.
He was accused of committing the act at a house in Simpang Renggam, Kluang between 11am and 6.45pm, on Sept 19, 2023.
He is currently detained at the Muar Correctional Centre after failing to post the RM10,000 bail set by the court.
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