Man Sentenced to 24 Years Jail and Caning for Raping Stepdaughter
A 38-year-old man was sentenced to 24 years in prison and 24 strokes of the cane on August 26, 2025, for sexually assaulting his stepdaughter when she was between eight and 10 years old, according to the High Court. The victim eventually came forward in 2023 after her form teacher noticed her “abnormal” behavior in school, prompting the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s Child Protective Service to file a police report.
Sentencing Details Revealed in High Court
Charges and Legal Proceedings Unveiled
The man, who had cared for the victim since she was two years old, pleaded guilty to two counts of statutory rape and one charge of aggravated outrage of modesty. Four additional sex-related offenses were considered during sentencing. Deputy Public Prosecutor Lynn Tan emphasized the long-term emotional trauma the victim endured, citing her victim impact statement, which described difficulties concentrating in school, discomfort around male family members, and self-harming behaviors. The court heard that the abuse occurred between 2020 and 2021, with the man raping the girl in the family’s master bedroom during periods when she was staying at the home.
Family Dynamics and Living Arrangements Examined
The victim’s family structure included her mother marrying the man in 2015 after divorcing the victim’s biological father. The girl alternated between living at her family home and her maternal grandparents’ flat from 2017 to 2019 before moving permanently to her grandparents’ residence in 2019. Despite this arrangement, she occasionally visited her family, including her stepfather, who was still residing with her mother after she filed for divorce in December 2022. The man continued to live in the family home while seeking a rental property, according to court records.
Disclosure and Family Response
In July 2023, the victim disclosed the abuse to her aunt, who informed her mother. The mother planned to file a police report after completing a parenting course to finalize the divorce but was unable to act before the man was arrested on July 11 following a report from the Child Protective Service. The defense lawyer, Mr. Teo Choo Kee, argued that the man had no prior intent to commit the crimes and had reflected on his actions during remand. However, the prosecution sought the maximum penalty, citing the severity of the harm caused.
Case Highlights Familial Abuse Challenges
The court’s decision underscores the legal consequences for perpetrators of sexual violence against minors, while also reflecting the long-term psychological impact on victims.