A 42-year-old man previously linked to a viral case involving the confinement and restraint of a 14-year-old boy has changed his plea to not guilty at the Sessions Court on Monday.
Mohamad Fadwan Abd Muaain, who works as a debt collector, made the plea after the charge was re-read before Judge Rasyihah Ghazali.
He is accused of committing physical sexual assault against the teenager at a condominium unit in Section 32 between 8.05am and 11.50am on May 11.
The charge was framed under Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for imprisonment of up to 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
The prosecution was conducted by deputy public prosecutor KS Rinisha Priyya, while the accused was unrepresented during proceedings.
The court fixed July 8 for mention and the appointment of legal counsel.
The accused was previously reported to have pleaded guilty on May 22, with sentencing earlier scheduled to proceed following facts of the case.
Separately, he is also facing another case involving the consumption of morphine, with mention fixed for August 5 pending chemical reports and case facts.
Court records show he was previously sentenced to imprisonment and caning for other offences involving robbery, impersonation, and confinement.
Authorities have also confirmed that the accused is a former convict with a long criminal history involving serious offences.
