66-Year-Old Man Sentenced to Seven Weeks in Jail for Molesting 72-Year-Old Woman in Singapore Coffee Shop

In a troubling incident that has raised concerns about public safety, a 66-year-old man was sentenced to seven weeks in prison on June 3, 2025, for molesting a 72-year-old woman at a coffee shop in Singapore. The man, identified as Zheng Sangtai (transliteration), was found guilty of multiple counts of outrage of modesty, having assaulted the victim on at least four separate occasions.

Details of the Incident

The series of assaults began earlier in 2025 when the man started frequenting the coffee shop where the victim worked as a cleaner. The first incident occurred in March when he pinched her buttocks. His behavior escalated in April, with three additional incidents where he touched her back and arm, leaving the victim feeling shocked and violated.

The victim, unable to endure the harassment any longer, confronted the man and subsequently reported the incidents to the police. The court proceedings revealed that the man had a history of similar offenses, having previously served nine weeks in jail in 2004 for assault and indecent exposure.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

During the trial, the prosecution emphasized the need for a deterrent sentence, highlighting the man’s status as a repeat offender. Although there was no evidence of lasting psychological trauma to the victim, the prosecution noted that she was understandably frightened by the repeated assaults. The judge, in a bid to protect the victim’s identity, imposed a gag order on any details that could lead to her identification.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the defendant claimed through an interpreter that he was merely joking with the victim, who he described as a senior citizen. This defense was met with skepticism by the prosecution, which argued that the victim’s anger and distress were valid responses to his inappropriate behavior.

Conclusion

The judge ultimately sentenced Zheng Sangtai to seven weeks in jail, warning him against any future misconduct upon his release. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing sexual harassment in public spaces and the need for stringent legal measures to protect vulnerable individuals. As society continues to grapple with issues of safety and respect, it is crucial for victims to feel empowered to speak out against such violations.

This incident not only highlights the ongoing challenges of public safety but also underscores the importance of community vigilance in preventing similar occurrences. As discussions around sexual harassment gain momentum, it is essential for all individuals to foster an environment of respect and dignity, ensuring that everyone can feel safe in their daily lives.