A 70-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for molesting a 24-year-old woman with Down syndrome in Singapore.
The case, described by the prosecution as a “deeply troubling and reprehensible act of exploitation,” has highlighted concerns regarding the vulnerability of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The incident occurred on October 10, 2023, when Omar offered the victim $2 to lure her away from public view before committing the act according to ST report.
During the proceedings, Deputy Public Prosecutor Adelle Tai highlighted the vulnerability of the victim, who has an intellectual disability characterized by an IQ of 40. According to the Institute of Mental Health, an IQ of 70 or below indicates intellectual disability.
District Judge John Ng remarked on the case’s disturbing nature, noting that it involved a “vulnerable person who preyed on a vulnerable victim.”
Omar pleaded guilty to the molestation charge in a hearing earlier this month.
DETAILS OF THE CASE
The court heard that the victim was walking to an MRT station in northern Singapore around 4 PM when Omar, using a personal mobility device, approached her. After enticing her with the offer of money, he led her to a secluded area where he molested her as per the report.
Upon returning home, the victim disclosed the incident to her helper, who promptly informed the victim’s parents. Her father subsequently filed a police report later that same day.
Authorities tracked down Omar, who was arrested the following day, October 11.
In sentencing, DPP Tai urged Judge Ng to impose a minimum sentence of 16 months, arguing that Omar exploited the victim’s “naivete… to satiate his lust,” calling his actions both “ghastly” and “deplorable.”
Omar’s defense attorney, Mohamed Arshad, requested a lenient sentence of 10 months and expressed that his client felt remorse for his actions. He further noted that Omar suffers from heart disease and has a compressed spinal cord.
Omar Aziz is currently out on bail set at $15,000 and is expected to begin serving his sentence on December 12, 2024. The details surrounding the victim’s identity and residence are protected under a gag order to maintain her privacy.
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