A pastor claimed trial to physical sexual assault and committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature on his adopted daughter. — Reuters file pic

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 25 — A pastor claimed trial at the Special Court for Sexual Crimes Against Children today to physical sexual assault and committing carnal intercourse against the order of nature on his adopted daughter.

The 49-year-old pastor was accused of committing the offences at a house in Petaling Utama, Petaling Jaya in November 2011 and on Oct 7, this year.

The man, clad in a cream shirt and black trousers, would have to remain in a lockup pending trial after judge Yong Zarida Sazali denied him bail upon request by deputy public prosecutor Nordalina Ali.

The judge also set Dec 4 for mention of the case.

On the first count, the man was charged with having carnal intercourse against the order of nature on the girl when she was 11 years old in November 2011.

The charge under Section 377A of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 377C, provides for a jail term of up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction.

The man was also charged with committing physical sexual assault on the girl, at age 17 years, at the same place on Oct 7, this year.

This charge under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, also provides for a jail term of up to 20 years and liable to whipping, if convicted.

DPP Nordalina earlier requested the court to deny bail for fear the accused would harass the prosecution witnesses, particularly the victim.

Counsel S. Sivaperumal who represented the accused, pleaded for bail, saying his client, a pastor, would be prejudiced if bail was not granted as he was presumed innocent until proven guilty. — Bernama