77-year-old man on trial for sexual abuse of girl, 14, who became pregnant

A 77-year-old man faces trial in Singapore for allegedly sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, resulting in her pregnancy and subsequent abortion. The case unfolded over several years, beginning in 2012, when the man, who was then 64, worked as an insurance agent and owned a business. His alleged victim’s mother served as his secretary, and the man had been a close family friend since the girl was a toddler. The trial commenced on Monday, July 20, with the man charged with 10 offenses, primarily involving obscene acts with a young person and sexual penetration of a minor. Three charges were temporarily set aside during the proceedings. Court-imposed gag orders prevent the public from identifying either the defendant or the alleged victim. According to the prosecution, the man became increasingly involved in the lives of the girl and her older sister following the death of the girl’s mother from breast cancer. At the time, the girl was in Secondary 2, and her father was occupied with work. As a result, the man assumed responsibility for picking up the children from school and managing household tasks. He also renovated the family home and allowed them to reside rent-free in one of his properties. During this period, the man reportedly distanced the girl from her family, suggesting her father was a “bad person.” Additionally, he allegedly misled the girl by claiming he was only in his 40s, despite being significantly older. The prosecution claims that the man began engaging in inappropriate behavior with the girl in 2012, starting with holding her hand during trips to tuition classes. Over time, he increased his contact, including kissing her while parked at a reservoir. The girl reportedly became desensitized to these actions, leading to further escalation. The prosecution alleges that the man continued to engage in sexual acts with the girl even after she turned 16 in 2014. These acts culminated in the girl becoming pregnant around early 2015 while still attending school. In February 2015, the girl underwent an abortion at a clinic, accompanied by the man. The prosecution asserts that the procedure was arranged at the man’s request, causing significant trauma to the girl. The relationship persisted until late 2017, when the girl ended the relationship. In 2019, she sought assistance from the AWARE Sexual Assault Care Centre and eventually filed a police report. The man is represented by legal counsel Mark Yeo and Amelia Lee from Fortress Law. The trial is ongoing before Principal District Judge Toh Han Li. If convicted, the man could face up to five years in prison for committing an obscene act with a young person, along with a fine of up to S$10,000. For sexual penetration of a minor, the maximum penalty includes up to 10 years in prison and a fine. Separately, another case involving a 72-year-old man has concluded with a 23-year prison sentence for repeatedly raping his step-granddaughter over five years. The abuse began when the girl was nine years old and continued until she was 13. The man, who cannot be identified due to gag orders, admitted guilt to three counts of aggravated statutory rape. Other charges were considered during sentencing. From 2018 to July 2023, the man allegedly committed the crimes in his car and at his residence, often isolating the girl to facilitate the abuse. He promised her rewards such as art supplies to encourage compliance. The abuse came to light when the girl completed an art project in school, depicting her struggle, which prompted her to disclose the abuse to her teacher and subsequently her mother. Prosecutors emphasized the severity of the case, noting the progression from molestation to rape, with the man growing bolder over time. They highlighted the premeditated nature of the offenses, including efforts to isolate the girl and groom her for exploitation. The victim has suffered lasting psychological effects, including frequent flashbacks. The case also caused tension within the family, with some relatives cutting off communication with the victim. Given the man’s age, he is ineligible for corporal punishment. The court applied the totality principle, ensuring the sentence reflects the gravity of the offenses.