a day ago
Naim Daniel claims trial to sexually assaulting 17-year-old girl
He faces up to 20 years in jail and whipping if convicted.
Singer Naim Daniel pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court in Putrajaya today to a charge of committing sexual assault against a 17-year-old girl at a hotel in May. - Photo by Bernama
PUTRAJAYA – Singer and actor Naim Daniel pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here today to a charge of committing physical sexual assault against a 17-year-old girl, last month.
Naim, whose full name is Muhammad Na'im Daniel Baharin, 28, made the plea after the charge was read out before Judge Datin M. Kunasundary during a closed-door proceeding.
According to the charge, the "Sumpah" singer was accused of committing physical sexual assault against the teenager who was 17 years and seven months old at the time for sexual purposes at a hotel at 8.56pm on May 19.
He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a maximum jail sentence of 20 years and whipping, if convicted.
During the proceedings, deputy public prosecutor Nurul Izzah Shaharuddin offered RM15,000 bail with one surety.
"This includes additional conditions. The accused must surrender his passport to the court and is prohibited from contacting the victim or prosecution witnesses," she said. Singer Naim Daniel (C) pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court in Putrajaya today to a charge of committing sexual assault against a 17-year-old girl at a hotel in May. - Photo by Bernama
The actor, known for his role in "Projek: High Council" was represented by lawyers Mohd Irwan Sumadi and Amirul Ridzuan Hanif.
The court allowed Naim bail at RM12,000 with one surety and ordered that all additional conditions requested by the prosecution be met.
His case was scheduled for mention on Aug 18.
Last week, it was reported that a singer-actor was arrested to assist investigations into a sexual assault case involving a 17-year-old girl at a hotel in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
It is understood that the victim got to know the celebrity three months ago at a café where she worked and they met several times after that.
Bukit Aman Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division (D11) principal assistant director Senior Assistant Commissioner Siti Kamsiah Hassan confirmed that several meetings took place following their initial acquaintance.
