BUTTERWORTH – A 46-year-old school counselor has been ordered to enter a defence by on charges of sexually assaulting a student two years ago.
Sessions court judge Noor Aini Yusof said the prosecution had succeeded in proving a prima facie case.
Aiyob Che Meh is accused of molesting a 17-year-old female student in a counselling room at a secondary school in Tasek Gelugor between July 4 and 26, 2020.
The court set May 23 to hear his defence.
He has been charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Child Act 2017, read in conjunction with Section 16(1) of the same act.
If convicted, he may be sentenced to a jail term not exceeding 20 years and whipping, or a jail term not exceeding five years and whipping of not more than two lashes.
The prosecution was represented by deputy public prosecutor Muhamad Syeqal Che Murat, while the accused was represented by S. Raveentharan.
It is understood that the teacher has been transferred to the administrative division and will only receive half of his salary until the trial is completed. – The Vibes, April 6, 2022
