11 Years' Jail For Man Who Raped Girlfriend's Daughter

Teen Was 13 When First Abused; She Became Withdrawn And Dropped Out Of School

- Selina Lum

A 32-year-old man who sexually abused his then girlfriend's teenage daughter for more than a year was sentenced to 11 years' jail and eight strokes of the cane on Feb 13.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of sexual assault by penetration. Five other charges, including two counts of rape, were taken into consideration.

Prosecutors told the High Court that because of the man's actions, the victim—who was 13 to 14 years old at the time of the offences—suffered in school.

Once a helpful and participative student with leadership qualities, she became withdrawn and had poor attendance, eventually dropping out of school when she was 16 due to her inability to focus.

In sentencing the man, Justice Dedar Singh Gill took into account the harm caused to the victim and his abuse of his position of trust.