Man Jailed and Caned for Molesting Daughter After Wife Refused Sex – CNA News
A Singaporean man was sentenced to 12 years’ jail and six strokes of the cane after being found guilty of sexually assaulting his biological daughter over a three-year period, according to court documents and proceedings reported by Channel NewsAsia (CNA).
The offences occurred between 2019 and 2022, when the daughter was aged between 10 and 13. The man, who cannot be named to protect the victim’s identity, repeatedly molested her in their family home whereas his wife was either asleep or unwilling to engage in sexual relations with him, as stated during the trial.
Prosecutors said the accused exploited his position of trust and authority as a father, committing the acts when opportunities arose, often late at night or when other family members were not present. The abuse came to light only after the victim confided in a school counsellor, who then reported the matter to authorities.
During sentencing, the judge emphasized the profound breach of parental duty and the lasting psychological trauma inflicted on the child, noting that the offences were not isolated incidents but part of a sustained pattern of abuse. The court rejected the defence’s plea for leniency, citing the severity and duration of the crimes.
The man was convicted under Singapore’s Penal Code for sexual penetration of a minor and outrage of modesty, charges that carry mandatory imprisonment and caning for male offenders under the age of 50. He expressed remorse in court but offered no further explanation for his actions.
The case has drawn attention to the challenges in detecting intra-familial abuse, particularly when victims are young and reluctant to disclose due to fear, shame, or loyalty to the perpetrator. Social service agencies in Singapore have reiterated the importance of vigilance among educators, healthcare workers, and community members in identifying signs of child sexual abuse.
Following the verdict, the girl has been placed under the care of state-appointed guardians and is receiving counselling and psychological support through the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s child protection services. No further details about her current condition or living arrangements have been disclosed to safeguard her privacy.
The Attorney-General’s Chambers confirmed that the sentence reflects the judiciary’s zero-tolerance stance toward sexual offences against minors, especially those committed within the family unit. No appeal has been filed by either party as of the date of reporting.