Kuching air-conditioner technician claims trial to raping underaged girlfriend

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The accused is escorted by the a police police at the courthouse today.

KUCHING (Aug 24): A 21-year-old man claimed trial in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of raping a minor, who was his girlfriend, last year.

The accused pleaded not guilty after a charge framed under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code was read to him by the court interpreter before Judge Maris Agan.

The Section provides for a jail term of up to 20 years and caning upon conviction.

Based on the charge, the accused allegedly raped the 14-year-old victim at a house in Batu Kawa here in May, last year.

It is understood that a doctor had lodged a police report after finding out that the victim was pregnant.

Deputy public prosecutor Sangari Ponnan offered RM15,000 bail with two local sureties for the accused.

She also requested for the accused to report himself to the nearest police station.

The accused, who works as air-conditioner technician, however appealed for his bail to be reduced to RM5,000.

Maris allowed bail of RM5,000 with one local surety and ordered the accused to report himself to the nearest police station twice a month.

The Judge then fixed Oct 31 for case management and advised the accused to obtain a counsel.