14 Years Jail for Husband Who Raped and Assaulted His Wife

 

A 42-year-old man was sentenced to 14 years, three months, and eight weeks in jail, along with 12 strokes of the cane, for raping and assaulting his wife in November 2020. This case marks the first conviction for marital rape in Singapore since the repeal of marital immunity on January 1, 2020. The man, a foreigner working in Singapore, initially claimed trial but pleaded guilty after two days of court proceedings, during which his wife testified.

The couple, who have three children, were living separately at the time of the incident. The wife resided in a flat provided by her employer, while the man lived elsewhere. Their children were not in Singapore. On November 8, 2020, the man asked to meet his wife to give her a gift. Despite her initial refusal, he showed up at her flat’s void deck, leading to a heated argument. The altercation escalated, with the man slapping and kicking his wife in the lift and lobby. When her supervisor intervened, the woman reluctantly agreed to resolve the dispute with her husband.

The man took her to his residence on his motorcycle and lowered the roller shutters upon entering. Another argument ensued, during which he slapped her, causing her to fall and bleed from the mouth. He then brandished a metal rod, threatening to beat her to death if she shouted. The woman complied with his demands to remove her clothes, and he proceeded to rape her. Afterward, he took her back to her flat, where she instructed her flatmate to call the police. The man was arrested on November 10.

During sentencing, Deputy Public Prosecutor Alan Loh highlighted the aggravating factors, including the threat of violence, abuse of trust, and the significant emotional and physical harm caused to the victim. The woman’s victim impact statement revealed that she was “heartbroken” and took eight months to recover. Her relationship with her children was also affected, though details were not disclosed.

Defense counsel Shashi Nathan argued that the man was remorseful and pleaded guilty to spare his wife further trauma. He noted that the man had not seen his family for five years and could not recognize one of his children, who was present in court. Nathan attributed the deterioration of the couple’s relationship to the strain of Covid-19 restrictions and the man’s frustration over failed reconciliation attempts.

The man pleaded guilty to one count of rape, one count of outrage of modesty, and one count of voluntarily causing hurt. Six other charges were taken into consideration during sentencing. A gag order prevents the publication of details that could identify the couple or the location of the incident.

This landmark case underscores the significance of the 2020 repeal of marital immunity, which previously shielded husbands from prosecution for raping their wives. The conviction sends a strong message that marital rape is a serious crime and will be met with severe penalties. It also highlights the importance of protecting victims of domestic violence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

The case has sparked discussions about the challenges faced by victims of marital rape and the need for continued support and legal reforms to address domestic abuse. The woman’s courage in testifying against her husband and seeking justice serves as an inspiration for others in similar situations. The court’s decision reflects a commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of victims, regardless of their marital status.

As the man begins his sentence, the case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of domestic violence and the importance of fostering a society where such acts are not tolerated. It also emphasizes the role of the legal system in providing justice and protection for vulnerable individuals.