A 38-YEAR-OLD man was charged in court on Wednesday with wilfully assaulting his 10-year-old stepson.

He is said to have used two rattan canes to inflict about 100 strokes on the boy's buttocks, arms and back in a manner likely to cause him unnecessary physical injuries at a Sembawang flat on Sept 15 last year.

The accused is not named to protect the identity of the victim.

Bail of $10,000 was offered. He told the court he wished to seek legal advice.

The case will be mentioned on Wednesday.

If convicted, he faces a fine of up to $4,000 or a jail term of up to four years, or both.