In a stark Singapore news case underscoring teacher misconduct and child protection laws, a former primary school teacher has been sentenced to 22 months in prison for engaging in sexual acts with her underage former student and later stalking him after he ended their relationship. The 35-year-old woman, who cannot be named due to a court gag order protecting the victim’s identity, pleaded guilty to charges of sexual penetration of a minor and committing an indecent act with a child. Two further similar charges were taken into consideration during sentencing on 26 March 2026.
The offences date back to 2019, when the woman—then aged 28 or 29—began a romantic and eventually sexual relationship with the boy, who was just 13 at the start and 14 during the sexual encounters. Although she was no longer his teacher, the court heard how the former educator had abused the position of trust she once held.
How a Homework Help Chat Turned into an Inappropriate Relationship
According to CNA, The pair first connected after the boy graduated from primary school, where the woman had taught him mathematics in Primary 5 and 6 between 2016 and 2017. What began as occasional WhatsApp messages about secondary school homework gradually evolved into regular conversations about daily life by the time he was in Secondary 1.
By February 2019, when the teenager was in Secondary 2 and still only 13, the relationship turned romantic. The woman knew it was wrong but proceeded anyway. She provided him with money for food and transport, and the pair started meeting in person. On multiple occasions between February and October 2019, she would pick him up in her car and drive to a multi-storey car park near his home.
There, in secluded spots on the seventh floor or near staircase landings, they would hug, kiss, and engage in other intimate acts. This progression from trusted educator to romantic partner highlights serious concerns around teacher misconduct and the need for stronger safeguards under Singapore’s child protection laws.
Sexual Acts Performed in Secluded Car Park Locations
Between November and December 2019, when the boy had turned 14, the encounters escalated. The woman parked her car in a quiet area of the same multi-storey car park, where they removed their clothes and she performed a sexual act on him. This happened on several occasions, the court was told.
The Ministry of Education confirmed the woman had been suspended since March 2024 and is no longer teaching in any school. Further disciplinary action will follow the conclusion of court proceedings, reported The Straits Times.
Stalking and Harassment After the Victim Ended the Relationship
In July 2023, the now-adult victim decided to break up with her. Despite her crying and pleading that she still loved him, he blocked her on social media and asked her not to contact him. In response, the woman began stalking and harassing him, calling his phone 25 times and sending 17 emails.
She claimed he had “ruined” her emotionally, expressed unhappiness about his new relationship, and even said his photo remained on her phone wallpaper. She told him she wanted to “smell him” and get back together. The victim eventually filed a police report, leading to her arrest on 7 March 2024.
Court Weighs Abuse of Trust Against Genuine Romance Claim
During sentencing, the prosecution sought 22 to 26 months’ imprisonment, emphasising the repeated nature of the sexual offences and the subsequent harassment. Although she was no longer his teacher, the court noted the woman had continued to act in a caring role by helping with homework and providing financial support—factors that amounted to an abuse of the trust the victim had placed in her.
The defence requested a lighter 12 to 13 months, citing the woman’s remorse. The judge acknowledged there appeared to have been a “genuine romantic relationship” and assessed her as having a low risk of reoffending, as she is not a serial offender targeting minors. Nevertheless, the 22-month jail term was imposed.
Under Singapore law, performing a sexual act on an underage person can result in up to 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine. For an indecent act with a child, the maximum is five years’ jail and a S$10,000 fine (or up to seven years and S$20,000 for repeat offenders). This case serves as a sobering reminder of the strict enforcement of child protection laws in Singapore news when positions of authority are exploited.