A 46-year-old divorced man in Singapore, whose identity remains undisclosed to protect his daughter, was sentenced to a total of eight weeks in jail on November 14, 2023. Seven weeks of the sentence were for physically assaulting his 11-year-old daughter. The assault occurred when the man, facing a case in Family Court, became angered that his daughter did not turn up to testify that he had not hit her. He struck her multiple times on the forehead, causing her physical pain and emotional distress.
Daughter’s Report and Legal Proceedings
The young girl later informed her mother about the incident, leading to a police report. The father, who had shared custody of his daughter with his ex-wife, was jobless and financially dependent on his parents. On October 22, 2022, he scolded his daughter for missing a court hearing and hit her in his car. Later, he picked her up from class and continued to scold and hit her. The girl eventually revealed the ordeal to her mother, who took her to the hospital where she was found to have suffered a bruise and mild swelling near her eye.
Additional Crime: The Petrol Kiosk Incident
In addition to the assault on his daughter, the man was convicted for a separate incident involving criminal force against a petrol station store manager in May 2021. Caught stealing biscuits, the man, then a private-hire driver, shoved the manager and fled. The prosecution highlighted his history of violence and lack of remorse, noting eight prior convictions for breaching protection orders against his ex-wife. The court expressed hope that the offender would address his anger management issues.
This case underscores the seriousness of domestic violence and the legal system’s role in addressing such offenses, ensuring the protection and safety of vulnerable individuals, especially minors.
