Disabled man charged with sexually assaulting 6-year-old girl in mosque
BUTTERWORTH: A disabled man pleaded not guilty in the Sessions Court here today to a charge of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl inside a mosque.
Khairul Asyraf Hashim, a 35-year-old man with a speech disability, appeared in court not guilty to the charge of sexually assaulting a 6-year-old girl inside a mosque in Permatang Pasir. The incident allegedly took place on September 3 at Masjid Jamek Haji Abdul Latiff, where the child was standing behind her father during prayers.
The alleged perpetrator is not related to the victim but frequently visits the mosque. The charge under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and whipping. Despite the accused's attendance and cooperation with the police, the prosecutor did not grant bail due to the severity of the offence and the victim's young age.
The court ordered Khairul to be evaluated at Hospital Bahagia, Tanjung Rambutan, Perak, for mental health assessment, with the next court mention scheduled for October 14.
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