By SYED AZHAR

KOTA BARU, MALAYSIA: A teacher was charged at a Sessions Court here Monday with two sexual offences and with possessing lewd pictures.

Mohd Nasir Abdul Rahman, 50, of Sek Men Rantau Panjang, was alleged to have used criminal force to outrage the modesty of a 17-year-old female student at the school at 3.30pm on March 16, 2007.

He was also accused of attempting to rape the same girl at PT 1832, Kampung Gual, Rantau Panjang at noon on April 14, 2007.

On the third charge, Mohd Nasir was said to have had in his possession lewd pictures, stored in his headphone and laptop computer, at the Rantau Panjang police station on April 24, 2007 at 11.25pm.

He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Madiah Zainol asked the court not to allow any bail, fearing the accused would attempt to intimidate or disturb witnesses.

Mohd Nasir's counsel Mohd Ridwan Muhammad argued that that his client was a government servant and that if he was not allowed bail it would jeopardise his career.

He further argued that although the attempted rape was a non-bailable offence, the court had the discretion to impose bail and set strict conditions on it.

"The presumption that my client would harass or intimidate witnesses is mere speculation and not supported by any police reports," he added.

Sessions Judge Che Mohd Zulkifly Jusoh allowed Mohd Ridwan's application and fixed bail at RM10,000 with one surety.

"However, if there is evidence to show that the accused had harassed, intimidated or went near the witnesses, the bail will be revoked," he warned.

He also fixed the case for mention on April 26.

--The Star/ANN