Schoolteacher on trial for indecent acts with students

By SARBAN SINGH

SEREMBAN: A senior assistant of a school here pleaded not guilty at the Magistrate’s Court to eight counts of inciting two students to perform acts of gross indecency over a two-year period.

Mohd Harith Mohd Nor, 40, who taught at SK Wawasan in Seremban 2, allegedly committed the acts between October 2006 and August 2008.

In the first five charges, he allegedly committed these acts against a male student who was 11 years old at the time, between October 2006 and March 2008.

The acts allegedly took place while they were on their way to the Paroi Stadium, to the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital, at the accused’s office in school, and at the swimming pool at the Seremban 2 Sports Complex.

The last act allegedly took place at the accused’s house at 269, Jln Arowana Impian 10, Taman Arowana Impian near here.

In the next three charges, Mohd Harith is accused of committing the acts against another male student between November 2007 and August 2008.

The acts were allegedly committed at the accused’s office and at his home.

He was charged under section 377E of the Penal Code which carries a maximum five-year jail sentence and whipping if convicted.

Mohd Harith was calm throughout the proceedings on Thursday, but began crying when his mother walked up to him and hugged him.

Also present in court were his wife and relatives.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Fairuz Syuhada Amran asked the court to impose a RM2,500 bail for each of the eight charges.

Defence counsel M. Gobinathan appealed for a lower bail as the accused had been cooperative in the police investigation.

“My client has also served the government for the past 18 years. Since his wife is pursuing her tertiary education, setting a high bail would bring hardship to the family,” he said, adding that the couple also had a five-year-old daughter.

He asked the court to set bail at RM2,000 for each charge.

Magistrate Nor Azlina Hashim then set bail at RM15,500 with one surety and fixed Dec 1 for re-mention.

Mohd Harith’s wife posted bail on his behalf.

The Star Online: 30 Oktober 2008