In a recent legal development, Mr. Mijos Policarpo Aranaydo, a 43-year-old Filipino residing in Singapore, has been granted a discharge amounting to an acquittal on November 3. The case involved an accusation of molesting a woman inside an operating theatre, according to The Straits Times.
Compounding of Offences
The discharge granted to Mr. Aranaydo implies that he cannot be charged again with the same offence. This legal resolution raises discussions on the nuances of the Singaporean legal system and the factors influencing such decisions.
Central to this case is the compounding of the offence. In Singapore, only specific offences can be compounded, including cases of causing hurt and outrage of modesty. Compounding involves reaching an agreement with the victim, typically involving compensation, an apology, or other terms acceptable to both parties.
The decision to compound an offence is not taken lightly. The public prosecutor carefully assesses the public interest, circumstances of the offence, and any aggravating factors before agreeing to the terms proposed by the accused. This ensures a balance between justice and the resolution sought through compounding.
Mr. Aranaydo’s Accusation
The accusations against Mr. Aranaydo involved the alleged outrage of a woman’s modesty at a medical centre in the prestigious Paragon shopping mall on Orchard Road. The incident reportedly occurred between 9.45 am and 10.20 am on March 22, 2022. However, court documents did not disclose the reason for his presence at the medical centre during that time.
In a move that added complexity to the case, Mr. Aranaydo sought to compound the offence instead of facing prosecution. The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) revealed that the victim accepted the offer made by Mr. Aranaydo. While the details of the composition were not disclosed, the AGC spokesperson mentioned, “Having reviewed the facts and circumstances of the case as well as the victim’s agreement, the prosecution decided to accede to the request to have the matter compounded.”
Legal Consequences of Molestation
Molestation is a serious offence in Singapore, carrying penalties that include imprisonment for up to three years, fines, caning, or a combination of these punishments. The decision to compound such cases raises discussions about the effectiveness of alternative resolutions in the pursuit of justice.