MELAKA: A soldier claimed trial on two counts of sexual abuse against his 11-year-old niece.
The 41-year-old’s plea was recorded in front of Sessions Court judge Hakim Mohd Sabri Ismail yesterday.
The accused was alleged to have raped the girl at a house in Taman Semabok Jaya at about noon on Dec 29, 2021.
He was charged under Section 376 (2) of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
The accused also faced a separate charge for allegedly touching her private parts and kissing her at the same place at about 11pm on Dec 28, 2021.
The charge, framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, also carries a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping.
The accused, a father of two girls, aged 14 and 11, was represented by lawyers Cassian Anthony and Kent Tan Chow Teng.
The court granted a bail of RM15,000 and fixed March 16 for the next mention.