Justice Served in Choa Chu Kang's Indecent Assault Case

In a shocking case from Choa Chu Kang, a 63-year-old man has been sentenced to 13 months in prison for committing indecent acts on his foster son, who was just nine to ten years old at the time. The series of offenses occurred in 2016, leaving the young boy traumatized and unaware of the nature of the acts against him.

According to court documents, the man, who has now been prohibited from being named in order to protect the victim's identity, repeatedly abused his position of trust and authority. He was found guilty of touching the boy's private parts during four separate incidents while they were home alone.

The Disturbing Details of the Case

The victim, who entered foster care around 2010 for undisclosed reasons, saw the offender as a father figure and called him 'dad.' One incident took place when the boy asked to use a computer. The foster father instead subjected him to a disturbing 'check' before allowing him to use the device, during which he molested the boy.

For years, the boy remained silent, not understanding that what happened was wrong until he attended sexual education classes in 2019. Three years passed before he mustered the courage to speak to a school counselor on May 10, 2022, finally revealing the horrific experiences he had endured.

Legal Repercussions and Sentencing

Deputy Public Prosecutors Colin Ng and Yeo Kee Hwan argued for a tough sentence to send a robust message to would-be offenders. They emphasized the need for rigorous protection of vulnerable children, stating, "The more vulnerable the minor is, the more protection he or she will require." They pressed the court to impose a sentence of 11 to 13 months to reflect the heinous nature of the offenses.

The court's decision serves to underline the seriousness of exploiting a position of trust for personal gratification. The penalties for violating the Children and Young Persons Act (CYPA) can include up to five years in prison and hefty fines, with stricter consequences for repeat offenders.

A Call for Greater Vigilance

This distressing case highlights the critical importance of vigilance when it comes to the welfare of children in protective care. It reminds us all to remain alert and responsive to any signs of inappropriate behavior, ensuring that victims feel safe to speak out and seek help.