SINGAPORE: A 43-year-old man was sentenced to three
years' jail and nine strokes of the cane for molesting his
maid.
The man, Ng Kheng Teck, committed the offence in
January 2011.
Shortly before he was sentenced on Thursday, his
defence lawyer told the court that Ng's mother had suffered a
stroke due to shock and is undergoing rehabilitation at a community
hospital in Ang Mo Kio.
Ng, who was accompanied by his sister and niece, appeared solemn
and shut his eyes when the sentence was read out.
District Judge Siva Shanmugam highlighted several aggravating
factors.
He said the victim, who cannot be named to protect her identity,
had only been hired for less than two months before Ng made his
move.
Stressing that domestic helpers need additional protection as they
can be vulnerable, Judge Siva said Ng had abused his position of
trust, and that his acts had been "prolonged and extensive".
Ng's wife hired the maid in December 2010.
He molested her about a month later on January 25 in a bedroom.
Among other things, he fondled her private parts, undressed her and
covered her mouth when she tried to shout for Ng's mother.
The maid did not report the incident as she was afraid she would
lose her job.
About a week later, on January 31, Ng molested her in the kitchen.
Despite her repeated pleas, Ng continued to molest her, including
forcing her to touch his private parts.
The maid escaped after Ng went back to sleep. A passer-by later
helped her call the police.
For his crimes, Ng could have been jailed up to 10 years, fined and
caned.
-CNA/ac