SINGAPORE: An 18-year-old on Friday admitted in
court to having sex with a minor and hitting her.
The youth pleaded guilty to twelve charges, four of
which the prosecution proceeded on.
He confessed to having sex with his then-girlfriend,
who was only 12 years old, at a staircase landing in Jurong West,
on 14 August 2009.
About a month later, the accused started abusing his girlfriend
physically during their quarrels.
In March 2010, the girl tried to break up with him, but he refused
and confronted her.
On 16 April 2010, the couple had an argument and he punched the
young girl's arm and lower back.
Thereafter, at a staircase landing in Bukit Batok, the accused had
sex with the victim, who was then 13 years old.
The next day, the victim finally told her mother about the
incidents and a police report was lodged.
However, the accused was relentless in his pursuit of the
girl.
On 29 July 2010, the accused went to look for the girl and after a
chat, he grabbed the neck of the victim to prevent her from
leaving.
For having sex with a minor, he could be jailed up to 10 years and
fined.
For causing hurt, he faces a maximum jail term of two years, or a
fine of up to S$5,000, or both.
In mitigation, the defence counsel said the accused had initially
done well in school and managed to go on to the express
stream.
But his father died when he was only 14 years old, leaving behind
his mother who is a kidney patient, and three siblings.
The defence counsel said the accused was very close to his father
and the death scarred him and things went into a downward spiral
for his client.
The accused has realised he needs to get his life back on track,
and is currently studying at a private school to re-take his GCE
'N' Levels. He has also started attending religious classes twice a
week.
The defence counsel added that his client is a first-time offender
and is extremely remorseful for his actions, so he urged the court
to be lenient.
The court has called for him to be evaluated to see if he is
suitable for probation or rehabilitative training. He is likely to
be sentenced on 23 March 2012.
- CNA/ck