A 37-year-old man was sentenced to 12 months in prison and two strokes of the cane on Oct 19 for molesting his mother-in-law multiple times after she moved into his home to assist with childcare for his newborn.
The incidents occurred between November and December 2023 and were uncovered by the victim after she reviewed CCTV footage, according to Straits Times report.
The victim, a 51-year-old woman, had moved in with her daughter and son-in-law in August 2023 for support as they welcomed their new baby. During her four-month stay, she trusted her son-in-law, who took advantage of her vulnerability while she slept on a mattress in the living room.
According to Deputy Public Prosecutor Claire Poh, the man’s offenses included one count of outrage of modesty, one count of voyeurism, and two counts of insulting the victim’s modesty.
Five additional charges were considered during sentencing.
The series of violations began on November 6, 2023, when the man used his mobile phone to take photos of the victim while she slept, subsequently recording himself molesting her.
Several weeks later, on November 23, he attempted another incident but was unsuccessful in taking photographs. However, on December 6, while the victim was asleep, he again took photos and molested her.
Awakened by his actions, the victim witnessed him walking away, prompting her to review the CCTV footage where she discovered the extent of his abuse.
Distressed, she informed her daughter, who confronted the man and forced him to leave the house before the victim filed a police report.
The couple has since divorced.
Prosecutor Poh informed the court that the profound impact on the victim, who has since struggled with sleep disturbances, increased anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth due to the ordeal. She expressed feelings of disgust over her son-in-law’s actions, which also affect interactions involving her granddaughter.
According to ST DPP said : “The victim feels very disgusted about what the (man) had done, and she would be reminded about what (he) had done when her granddaughter talked about (him), her father.”
The defense lawyer Mr. R. Arvindren of TSMP Law, conveyed his client’s remorse and acceptance of responsibility for his actions, stating, “In his words, Your Honour, he deserves to be punished for what he has done, and he makes no attempt to blame the victim or blame anybody”.
In handing down the sentence, District Judge Kenneth Chin noted that the man’s exploitation of his close relationship with the victim was a significant aggravating factor that warranted a harsher penalty.
The judge stated, “You have committed unacceptable criminal offences, and you must now face the consequences.”
The man nodded silently as the sentence was delivered.
Image via google for illustration
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