Polygamist claims trial to sexual assault on 13-year-old niece

IPOH: A 58-year-old technician with two wives and nine children claimed trial to two counts of sexual assault on his 13-year-old niece at the Sessions Court here today.
He allegedly committed the offences at a house in Ipoh on Sept 3 and 13.
If convicted, the offence under Section 14 (a) of the Sexual Offences against Children Act 2017, carries a jail term of not more than 20 years and whipping.
The accused was not granted bail by judge Murtazadi Amran and fixed October 31 for re-mention.
Earlier DPP Naidatul Athirah Azman asked the court not to allow bail as the accused has family ties with the victim and the victim who is a witness could be harassed.
Naidatul Athirah said the accused is the elder brother of the victim's stepfather.
Counsel Ranjit Singh asked the court to allow for bail with additional conditions since his client suffered from high blood pleasure and needs treatment.
He said the bail for his client could be cancelled if police reports are made against him or if the victim is harassed.
The counsel would also file an alibi.