A 41-year-old man was jailed 15 months and given 3 strokes of the cane on 4 August after he molested his colleague in an incident that took place in 2018.
What happened
The man, whose identity cannot be revealed to protect the identity of the victim, and the victim were colleagues who had developed a friendship over the course of four years.
Their camaraderie extended beyond the workplace, involving personal conversations and shared experiences. This rapport laid the foundation for the unfortunate events that unfolded.
On a late evening in October 2018, the man invited the victim to a coffee shop near his home. The casual outing took a distressing turn when the victim complained of a stomach ache.
In a gesture seemingly driven by concern, the man offered his home’s toilet, and the victim accepted, unaware of the sinister intentions that would follow.
Once inside his house, the man handed the victim a cup of coconut juice. Unbeknownst to her, the drink was allegedly spiked, impairing her judgment and weakening her ability to resist.
The victim’s discomfort grew as she realized the taste of the juice was bitter. However, the man’s reassurances and deceptive conduct convinced her to consume it.
As the effects of the alleged spiked drink took hold, the victim’s condition deteriorated. She began to feel drowsy and disoriented, leaving her vulnerable and incapacitated.
Exploiting her weakened state, the man made unwanted advances, hugging and kissing the victim before molesting her and exposing himself, asking her for an obscene act, which the victim rejected while crying.
Court proceedings
The man’s actions did not go unpunished. In a court ruling, he was sentenced to 15 months in jail and three strokes of the cane.
The defense lawyer argued for a lenient sentence, citing the offender’s remorse and cooperation with the authorities.
The court’s decision, however, emphasizes the need for accountability and sends a resounding message that regret cannot undo the harm caused. It underscores the principle that actions have consequences, regardless of one’s remorse after the fact.