In a disturbing incident at a local shopping mall, a supermarket worker with cerebral palsy became the victim of molestation and theft by another individual. The incident, which took place on January 21, 2024, sheds light on the vulnerability of certain members of society and the need for greater awareness and protection.
Background of the Victim and Perpetrator
The victim, a 60-year-old man with cerebral palsy, was employed at the Cold Storage supermarket within the mall. His condition rendered him with difficulties in walking, speaking, and hearing, making him particularly vulnerable to exploitation. The perpetrator, Tan Kim Chye, aged 64, had no prior connection to the victim and initiated the attack seemingly at random.
Tan, 64, suddenly touched the victim’s buttocks without consent and proceeded to molest him. Following the assault, Tan stole the victim’s wallet containing S$125 in cash and other items. The victim, who had difficulty walking, speaking, and hearing due to his condition, did not know Tan before the incident.
The victim, unaware that Tan was still present, did not immediately report the incident as he believed he was alone in the restroom. Tan quickly exited the restroom and left the mall, while the victim later discovered his wallet missing. CCTV footage captured Tan leaving the restroom and was used to identify and locate him. He was arrested at his home later that day.
Tan confessed to the police that he knew the victim had cerebral palsy and was vulnerable. He also admitted to spending all the money from the wallet before discarding it. In court, Tan pleaded guilty to one count of molestation and one count of theft. He expressed remorse and claimed to be stressed and lonely at the time of the offenses. Tan had previously been convicted for theft, cheating, and criminal breach of trust, but his last conviction was in 2015. He pleaded for leniency and stated that he had made a promise to his late mother that he would not return to a life of crime. Tan was subsequently sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment.