Music teacher denies sexually assaulting boy
KOTA KINABALU: A music teacher claimed trial yesterday to four counts of committing physical sexual assault against his six-year-old male student.
Darrel Nicholas Kinson, 29, who appeared before Sessions Court Judge Azreena Aziz, denied all the charges which were read to him.
On the first count, Darrel was alleged to have touched the private parts and sucked on the nipples of the boy.
On the second count, he was accused of kissing the boy’s mouth while for the third count, Darrel had allegedly sucked on the boy’s nipples.
The offences were framed under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
On the fourth count, Darrel was alleged to have made the boy touch his private parts, which is an offence under under Section 14(b) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
The indictments provide for a jail term of up to 20 years and also liable to whipping, upon conviction.
All of the alleged offences took place at a music school in a mall here between 4.30 pm and 5.30 pm on June 1.
Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Husna Abdul Halim objected to bail as the case involved four counts of serious offences and, moreover, the victim knew the accused.
Meanwhile, Darrel who was not represented, requested for bail and claimed that he had a right to be outside as he needed to resume his business.
He also said there might be a misunderstanding between him and the accused’s father when he wanted to discuss with him.
The prosecution informed the court that six prosecution witnesses are expected to be called during the trial.
The court fixed September 23 and 24 for trial and released Darrel on RM20,000 bail with two local sureties, pending disposal of the case.