In a distressing case that unfolded in the State Courts, a man has pleaded guilty to attempted rape after a night of drinks with his girlfriend and two friends who were dating each other, according to TODAY.
The details of the incident, which occurred on April 1, 2019, highlight the betrayal of trust and the vulnerability of individuals in states of intoxication.
The individuals involved in the case, including the accused, cannot be named due to a gag order aimed at protecting the victim’s identity. The group, originally friends from the Philippines, had relocated to Singapore for work. They went out for drinks at a bar, with the accused, the victim, and their respective partners.
The Night Takes a Dark Turn
The night took a dark turn when, in an intoxicated state, the accused and the victim boarded a taxi together, leaving their partners to find another cab. During the taxi ride to the man’s home, he took advantage of the victim’s incapacitated state, placing her hand on his private parts before groping and molesting her throughout the journey.
Upon reaching his apartment, the accused further violated the victim’s trust by attempting to rape her. Despite her weakened state, the victim resisted his advances, crossing her legs to prevent the assault. The man eventually desisted, leaving the room after failing to carry out his heinous act.
Aftermath and Trauma
The victim, disturbed by the incident, confided in her friends and sought help from the Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE), a women’s support group. She experienced nightmares and panic attacks for several months. Seeking recourse, she attended a counseling session on May 14, 2019, before eventually filing a police report on May 27, 2019.
In the State Courts on Monday (Jan 15), the accused pleaded guilty to attempted rape, with two charges for molestation taken into consideration. The prosecution, led by Deputy Public Prosecutors Emily Koh and Muhamad Imaduddian, sought a sentence of five years’ jail and six strokes of the cane.
The Defense’s Perspective
In the mitigation plea, the defense argued against the characterization of abuse of friendship and trust. The defense highlighted that the decision to go out for drinks was a joint one, clouded by alcohol consumption. While not excusing the accused’s actions, the defense claimed that the accused had not premeditated the incident and requested a lighter sentence of 3.5 years’ jail.
The attempted rape case sheds light on the vulnerability of individuals under the influence of alcohol and the profound impact such incidents can have on victims. The court’s decision, awaited on Jan 18, will send a message about the severity of such offenses and the need to protect individuals in states of vulnerability.