Gardener sent to jail for 18 years and
caned 24 strokes
A 24-year-old Indonesian who was only into her first week as a
maid in Singapore when she was molested and raped.
She had tried to scream but was threatened by 37-year-old Robiul
Bhoreshuddin Mondal to keep quiet or be killed.
The Bangladeshi who was working here as a gardener was found
guilty of housebreaking, molesting and raping the maid shortly
after midnight on June 23.
Two days later, Robiul was arrested after he was identified by a
fingerprint lifted off the door handle to the victim’s room.
Justice Tay Yong Kwang sentenced him to 18 years in prison and a
maximum 24 strokes of the cane.
In his closing submission, Robiul’s lawyer, Mr GK Radakrishnan,
claimed that his client had not broken in through the window, but
was invited into the house by the victim, who could not be named to
protect her identity.
But this argument didn't cut any ice with Justice Tay.
He rejected Robiul’s defence that the sex was consensual and
that he had been framed by the maid.
Deputy Public Prosecutor S Sellakumaran said Robiul had
confessed to the crime on three separate occasions to the
police.
He added that the victim’s account was credible and consistent,
and her version of events was supported by observations of trauma
by various experts, including a psychiatrist.
It's not clear if Robiul would appeal.
--938Live
