In a creepy case of jealousy-fueled violence, Zachary Chung Wei Yik, a 26-year-old man, was sentenced to one week in jail for assaulting his ex-girlfriend in her home.
The sentencing took place on November 20, as Chung pleaded guilty to one count of voluntarily causing hurt, while another charge of mischief was taken into account.
District Judge James Elisha Lee presided over the case, making the controversial decision to allow the victim’s identity to be disclosed, emphasizing the non-sexual nature of the assault, according to CNA report.
The judge dismissed the prosecution’s request for a gag order that aimed to protect the victim from public scrutiny, citing that she was not under the protection of the Children and Young Persons Act.
BACK STORY :
The victim, a 40-year-old South Korean woman employed at a nightclub in the bustling Orchard area, had been in a relationship with Chung since March 2022.
Despite their breakup in May 2023, they continued to see each other. Tensions escalated just days before the assault, as Chung became jealous after witnessing another patron buying flowers for his ex-girlfriend.
On September 12, 2023, after consuming alcohol at the nightclub where the victim worked, Chung acted on his jealousy. Around 5:30 AM, he awaited her return home and, when she struggled to find her key, he emerged from the lift with it. He then violently punched and kicked her, targeting her head and face, before dragging her back into her apartment.
Inside, in a fit of rage, Chung not only assaulted her but also damaged her clothing and a personal item, leading to the additional charge of mischief.
Following the attack, he spent the night at her place, and the next day she began to feel pain from her injuries. Seeking medical treatment, she was subsequently admitted to the hospital for monitoring, where her injuries were reported by medical staff.
The prosecutor described the assault as “brutal,” highlighting that Chung’s actions resulted in bruising, swelling, and abrasions on various parts of the victim’s body, as well as displacement of cosmetic fillers in her face. She required further treatment upon returning to South Korea before resuming work on October 17, 2023.
In his defense, Chung’s counsel, James Ow Yong, argued that the act stemmed from a loss of emotional control amid mutual accusations of infidelity. He claimed the injuries were minor and characterized the assault as a moment of intense emotion rather than a premeditated attack.
Despite the defense’s arguments, Judge Lee stated that Chung’s actions were unprovoked and constituted a one-sided assault. He referenced similar cases, including that of another offender who received a two-week jail sentence for assaulting his pregnant girlfriend.
Chung is set to begin his jail term on December 13, 2024, after being granted a deferment to complete work obligations. According to Singaporean law, the maximum penalty for voluntarily causing hurt is three years in prison, a fine of up to S$5,000, or both.
Image via google for illustration
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