SINGAPORE – A 54-year-old man has been sentenced to 13 months’ jail for molesting his domestic helper while she was sleeping. The man, whose name cannot be published due to a gag order, pleaded guilty to one charge of using criminal force with intent to outrage modesty. The incident came to light months later during an argument over the helper’s work performance.
The court heard that the man saw his domestic helper napping on the sofa and decided to take advantage of her vulnerable position. However, his victim woke up and caught him in the act of undoing her blouse. Shocked and remorseful, the man begged for forgiveness, and the domestic helper initially forgave him while expressing that she would not forget what happened.
Several months later, the man’s wife and daughter found out about the incident during an argument, and he made a police report about his actions. In court, District Judge Elton Tan emphasized the aggravated nature of the offense, as it occurred within the sanctity of the victim’s home, where she would have expected to feel secure.
According to the prosecution, the man admitted during investigations that he was tempted to touch the woman’s chest when he saw her sleeping on the sofa. He had first touched her forehead to check if she was still asleep before proceeding to molest her when she did not respond. However, the victim woke up, pushed him away, and kicked him in the stomach.
The court documents revealed that the victim’s blouse had been partially undone, and her bra had been moved, exposing her left breast when she woke up. The man’s actions came to light when the argument over the victim’s work performance escalated, leading her to disclose the molestation to the man’s wife. His wife agreed to end the victim’s employment, and the man lodged a police report on the same day.
The District Judge took into account the man’s medical condition and ordered him to carry out his sentence three weeks later, allowing time for rehabilitation in the hospital. The man also received an additional two months’ jail in lieu of caning.
Molesting a domestic helper while she was asleep is a serious offense, and the sentence reflects the severity of the action. The court emphasized the victim’s vulnerability in the place where she should have felt secure. This case serves as a reminder that everyone, regardless of their position or relationship, should be treated with respect and dignity.
