31-year-old sentenced for sexually assaulting younger sister from age 7 to 18 between 2007 and 2018
A 31-year-old Singaporean man received a 10-year prison sentence and 24 strokes of the cane for sexually abusing his younger sister over an 11-year period that began when she was seven years old.
According to Channel News Asia, the Singapore High Court on Monday (December 1) sentenced the offender, who cannot be named to protect his victim’s identity, after he pleaded guilty to three charges: two for sexual assault by penetration and one for incest, with four additional charges including attempted rape taken into consideration.
Court documents revealed the offender committed various sexual acts against his sister between 2007 and 2018, beginning when he was 13 and she was seven years old.
The abuse occurred across multiple family residences during periods of renovation and relocation, with the acts escalating in severity over time, including an April 2010 incident in the backseat of the family car when the victim was nine years old.
The majority of offences occurred when the victim was below 12 years of age and legally incapable of consent. Court records noted that while the acts were non-consensual, physical violence was not employed during the assaults.
The abuse remained hidden for years until the victim, now 25, confided in her romantic partner and sisters. Her siblings subsequently informed their parents, prompting the victim to file a police report.
In statements to authorities, the victim explained that she initially failed to comprehend the sexual nature of her brother’s actions due to her young age. She maintained silence throughout adolescence and early adulthood, fearing judgment and wishing to shield her family from scandal.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Sivakumar Ramasamy requested a sentence of 10 to 12 years’ imprisonment plus 24 strokes of the cane, emphasizing the victim would carry lifelong psychological trauma from the repeated violations.
Defense lawyer Tanaya Kinjavdekar argued her client’s culpability should be evaluated “through the lens of youth,” claiming he acted from “sexual curiosity rather than predatory intent.”
The defense maintained the offender ceased the abuse of his “own volition” around 2017-2018 after entering National Service, having recognized his actions as wrong and feeling “extremely remorseful.”
Tanaya cited “protective factors” suggesting low reoffending risk, including support from his fiancée who “stood by him” throughout proceedings and his family who, despite being “appalled and shocked,” requested leniency. A parental letter expressed being “heartened” by their son’s confession and apparent remorse.
Justice Mavis Chionh stated the offender had betrayed the trust placed in him as an older brother, noting that the close and affectionate sibling relationship made the violations particularly egregious.
Referencing the victim’s impact statement describing how the experiences “completely altered her view of intimacy,” JChionh determined it was reasonable to infer the offences had taken a significant psychological toll.
The judge ultimately imposed a 10-year sentence with 24 strokes of the cane, aligning with the prosecution’s lower recommendation.
The offender requested a two-month deferment to vacate his rental apartment, which the court rejected. His defence then sought the same period to spend holidays with family members, arguing he could finally communicate with them freely now that they were no longer prosecution witnesses.
Chionh granted only a two-week deferment. The offender remains released on S$100,000 (RM318,570) bail with his passport held by investigating officers.
