MELAKA: A restaurateur has claimed trial at the Sessions Court here to a charge of non-physical sexual abuse by making a lewd gesture to a teenager.
Ismadi Ismail, 48, entered a plea of not guilty after the charge was read to him before Sessions judge Elesabet Paya Wan on Wednesday (July 26).
Based on the statement of facts, the accused allegedly touched his private parts in the presence of the 16-year-old girl, who was in his employ.
The offence was allegedly committed at 6.45pm on June 14 at 6.45pm in Taman Jasin Heights in Jasin district.
The charge was framed under Section 15(a)(i) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, or a fine not exceeding RM20,000, or both, upon conviction.
DPP Muhammad Nazrin Ali Rahim prosecuted while the accused was represented by Chua Yong Yi.
The court granted bail of RM15,000 and fixed Sept 12 for mention.
