Duo claim trial for statutory rape

KUCHING: Two youths claimed trial to a statutory rape in a magistrate’s court here yesterday in two separate cases.

The first accused, aged 19, was alleged to have had sexual intercourse with his 16-year- old girlfriend at his house in Kampung Haji Baki early July last year at about 10pm.

A magistrate who presided the case released him on RM5,000 bail with two local sureties pending further mention on June 14.

Another accused, aged 23, was charged with raping a 14-year- old girl at a house at Kampung Sudad here on early Feb this year about 1.30pm.

He was also released on RM5,000 bail with two sureties and further mention was fixed on June 14.

Statutory rape comes under Section 376 (1) of the Penal Code which provides a maximum 20 years in jail and whipping upon conviction.