Ipoh: A fire cadet instructor pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court here today to seven charges of physical sexual assault and one charge of possessing pornographic images involving a 14-year-old female student between February and May this year. Muhammad Aidilafifi Muhammad, 28, entered the plea after all charges were read separately before Judge Jean Sharmila Jesudason.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the physical sexual assault charges alleged that the offences were committed against the victim at various locations in the Perak Tengah district between early February and May 1. The charges were framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792), read together with Section 16(1) of the same Act, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years' imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.

The accused was also charged with possessing pornographic images of the victim on his mobile phone. This charge provides for a maximum jail term of five years, a fine not exceeding RM10,000, or both, upon conviction under Section 10 of the same Act.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Arfahanim Azureen Arfanuddin prosecuted the case, while counsel Ahmad Shamil Azad Abdul Hamid represented the accused. The court allowed the man bail of RM9,000 and set June 23 for remention and submission of documents.