Singapore: Man jailed for molesting daughter over 20 years ago

A 71-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 months imprisonment in Singapore for molesting his daughter more than two decades ago. The offenses occurred between 1999 and 2001, when the victim was a young child aged between five and seven.

The man, whose identity is protected to safeguard the victim, was convicted of outraging his daughter's modesty on two occasions. The defense had pleaded for judicial mercy, citing the man's serious medical conditions, including end-stage renal failure, and his reliance on a wheelchair. However, the judge emphasized the severe abuse of trust, the vulnerability of the victim, and the lasting psychological harm she suffered.

“

the need for retribution, punishment and deterrence is strong in this case.

During the trial, the victim testified about the molestation, describing incidents that occurred while she was unwell and on the living room couch. She also recounted a second incident where her mother intervened. The victim confided in friends years later and eventually filed a police report as an adult, explaining her initial denial and the shame she felt. The prosecution argued that the delay in reporting did not diminish the victim's credibility, while the defense questioned her motives and attributed life difficulties to the alleged abuse. The judge acknowledged the offender's lack of prior convictions but noted he did not plead guilty, thus forfeiting any sentencing discount.

“

seemed to attribute many unfortunate events in her life to the alleged sexual abuse