Man accused of sexually abusing daughter over 7 years acquitted of all 13 charges

Justice Valerie Thean found that the girl's testimony was uncorroborated by other evidence

In Singapore, a 37-year-old man accused of sexually grooming and abusing his daughter from ages five or six until she was 12 has been acquitted of all 13 charges by a High Court judge on March 21.

The man faced charges including aggravated statutory rape, sexual assault, indecent acts, and exhibiting obscene objects. The alleged incidents occurred between 2012 and 2019 at various locations.

Although parts of the man’s testimony seemed odd, the judge emphasized that the prosecution failed to prove the offenses beyond a reasonable doubt. The man denied all accusations and defended himself during the trial that began in November 2022.

The crucial point in the case revolved around the sex toys the girl claimed her father used on her. However, the judge found discrepancies in the evidence regarding when the toys were purchased, leading to doubts about the credibility of the allegations.

Prosecutors argued that the man lacked a motive for his daughter to fabricate the accusations. Still, the judge ruled that the absence of a proven motive alone was insufficient to establish guilt.

The judge concluded that the girl’s testimony lacked corroboration and was not convincing enough to overcome doubts. She noted inconsistencies in the girl's accounts regarding when the alleged abuse started and the use of sex toys.

The case came to light in 2019 when the girl disclosed the abuse to friends, leading to a police report and medical examination.

In court, the man contested the accusations, stating he did not engage in the alleged acts. Despite the serious nature of the charges, the judge's decision rested on the lack of conclusive evidence, highlighting the complexities in proving such cases.

The man was represented by legal counsel during the proceedings.