A 38-year-old man was sentenced on August 3 to 21 years in prison and 16 strokes of the cane for sexually abusing his underage niece over a period of nearly two years. The man pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including statutory rape, sexual assault, and threatening to distribute intimate images.
Court documents reveal the victim, who was 13 years old when the abuse began, was repeatedly manipulated into a sexual relationship by her paternal uncle. Despite the girl’s efforts to end the relationship on at least eight occasions, the man used guilt and intimidation to maintain control. The offender’s identity has been withheld under a court order to protect the victim.
Prosecutors described the man as having presented himself as a caring uncle, disguising his repeated violations of the victim’s trust. The abuse escalated quickly after the initial contact, which followed a birthday celebration at Suntec City in September 2022. The relationship developed during tutoring sessions at the uncle’s home, where the man began touching the victim inappropriately.
From October 2022, the pair maintained a secret sexual relationship, with the victim visiting the uncle’s residence regularly. Family outings, including a trip to Genting Highlands in November 2022, also provided opportunities for abuse, which included the use of bondage equipment and sex toys. The sexual encounters occurred approximately four times per week, often concealed from other family members.
During this period, the uncle was simultaneously involved with another partner, whom he married in May 2024. The victim’s parents allowed her to stay overnight at the offender’s home and accompanied them on a hotel staycation near Clarke Quay in June 2023, where the abuse continued and included alcohol consumption.
In 2024, the girl began a relationship with a schoolmate referred to in court documents as Al. The uncle expressed jealousy and tried to coerce her into ending this new relationship. When she refused, he punished her by performing sexual acts and threatened to release nude photos and videos the victim had sent him. Authorities later found no evidence that he followed through on these threats.
The abuse came to light after the victim revealed the relationship to her teacher in August 2024. A police report was filed, leading to the uncle’s arrest on August 7. The case highlights the dangers of abuse within trusted family relationships and the devastating impact of manipulation on minors.