KUALA LUMPUR, July 2 -- A security guard and two of his family members were charged at the Baling Sessions Court yesterday with various offences, including rape and concealing the crime.

The main accused, who is the victim's stepfather, pleaded guilty when the charges were read before Judge Najwa Che Mat.

He is accused of raping the victim at a house in Kampung Tanjung Merbau, Pulai, at around 4pm on June 24.

The 49-year-old was charged with committing the offence against a female relative, in violation of legal, religious and customary prohibitions.

The charge falls under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code, which carries a sentence of between eight- and 30-years' imprisonment and at least 10 strokes of the cane upon conviction.

Deputy...