KUALA LUMPUR: A driver has been charged in the Sessions Court here today on two counts of cutting his stepson's hand and forcing his stepdaughter to drink urine.

       The accused, R.Segaran, 38, pleaded not guilty to both charges read out to him by the court interpreter before Judge Izralizam Sanusi.

       For the first charge, the man is accused of cutting the hand of his stepson, aged 14, in a flat in Dang Wangi here at 5am on Dec 15.

       For the second charge, Segaran is accused of forcing the 10-year-old girl to drink urine from a bottle at 7am on Dec 16 at the same location.

       The accused was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 which provides for a maximum fine of RM50,000 or a maximum imprisonment of 20 years, or both, if convicted.

       Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Roslizi Sulaiman did not offer any bail because she was worried about the safety of the two victims if the accused was released on bail. The accused was not represented by a lawyer.

       The court then set Feb 28 for mention of the case. – Bernama

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