7-9-2023 (SINGAPORE) A 23-year-old man has been sentenced to 18 years, 11 months, and three weeks in prison, as well as 16 strokes of the cane, for raping his friend while purporting to help her get rid of ghosts. The man, who cannot be named due to a gag order, pleaded guilty to two charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault by penetration.
The man and the victim, who was 22 years old at the time of the offenses, had known each other since secondary school. They rekindled their friendship in 2019, and the man began driving her to and from work and spending time with her. He informed her that he was a medium or “God of Chang E’s rabbit” and offered to perform consecration rituals to get rid of ghosts that he claimed were following her and her sister.
During the rituals, which took place at his or her house, the man would give the victim amulets and talismans and gradually convinced her to remove her clothes. He then sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions between July 22 and July 27, 2019, claiming that it was necessary as part of the rituals. The victim eventually confessed to her friends about the offenses, who encouraged her to lodge a police report.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Sruthi Boppana sought 17 to 23 years’ jail and 16 strokes of the cane, citing the man’s premeditation and abuse of trust as aggravating factors. She argued that the victim was defenseless against the man’s manipulation due to her below-average adaptive living skills, which made her vulnerable to his lies. The man also intended to impregnate her, despite knowing that she had no romantic feelings for him.
The man’s lawyers argued for a lighter sentence of up to 16 years’ jail and 14 strokes of the cane, citing his remorse and first-time offender status. They also highlighted his early guilty plea. However, the court ultimately decided on a harsher sentence due to the seriousness of the offenses and the man’s abuse of trust.
