A 42-year-old technician, Dhanabalan Fok Jin Jin, has been sentenced by the High Court to 15 years in jail and 12 strokes of the cane for raping an intoxicated woman in her apartment in the early hours of January 31, 2021. The sentencing, handed down on November 24, also included an order for Fok to pay the victim over $18,500 in compensation for therapy and anti-depressant bills incurred over four years.
The Crime and Conviction
The incident followed a birthday celebration where the victim had consumed several alcoholic beverages at Holland Village. After she and a friend failed to book a ride home, they ended up at a bus stop adjacent to the MRT station, visibly intoxicated.
Premeditated Exploitation: High Court Judge Valerie Thean noted that Fok's offence was premeditated. Fok, along with his friend Lee Kit, had followed the victim and her friend around Holland Village for nearly an hour, anticipating an opportunity to exploit the victim's inability to resist. Lee testified that after the victim's friend fell off a bench, Fok instructed him: "Let's go. Can go approach them already."
Lack of Consent: Fok had claimed trial, arguing the sex was consensual. However, he was convicted on September 22 after the judge ruled that due to her extreme intoxication, the victim was unable to consent and did not in fact consent to sex with him. Fok's friend, Lee Kit, was previously sentenced in March 2024 to 20 months in jail and four strokes of the cane after pleading guilty to molesting the victim.
The Attack: The two men offered the women a ride home in Fok's Mercedes C180. During the drive, the women vomited and later passed out in the back seat, during which time Fok took a photo of them. It was not disputed that Fok had sexual intercourse with the victim while Lee performed a sex act on her in her apartment.
Arrest: After the men left, Fok realized he had left his mobile phone at the victim’s home. When they returned to retrieve it, the victim called the police, leading to their arrest.
Sentencing and Compensation
The prosecution had sought a higher sentence of 17 to 18 years in jail and 18 strokes of the cane, arguing that Fok exploited the victim's vulnerability in pursuit of a sexual fantasy and instigated Lee. Fok's defense sought 12 to 14 years and 12 strokes.
Justice Thean settled on 15 years and 12 strokes of the cane. She noted the severe harm caused to the victim, who was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mixed depressive and anxiety disorder, and was forced to move to a different apartment within her condominium complex following the rape.
Regarding the $18,500 compensation order, the Judge rejected the defense's argument of poverty (citing Fok's $6,600 average take-home pay, marriage, and parental care responsibilities). The judge noted that Fok drove a Mercedes and had tenants, indicating an additional income stream. If Fok fails to pay the compensation, he will serve an additional four months in jail.
Fok's lawyer confirmed that his client will be filing an appeal.
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