SINGAPORE: A man who is accused of molesting a two-year-old girl will be remanded at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for medical examination.
The 59-year-old Malaysian and Singapore permanent resident was first charged on Dec 6 with one count of outraging the modesty of the girl between 1pm and 3pm on Nov 9 at a preschool.
The location was redacted from the charge sheet, and a gag order is in place preventing the publication of anything that could identify the alleged victim.
The man, who formerly worked at the preschool but has since been dismissed, is accused of molesting the girl inside her diaper.
He was remanded after being charged on Dec 6, with permission given to take him out for investigations.
On Wednesday (Dec 13), the man returned to court via video-link from where he was remanded in Changi Prison’s A Division.
The man, who appeared bald, wore a white shirt and requested to speak in English.
The police prosecutor asked for him to be remanded at IMH to assess if he has any mental condition.
“He has requested assistance … as he feels he needs psychiatric help,” said the prosecutor.
“Considering the charge he’s facing and the age of the victim, we are inclined to believe that he may be suffering from a mental condition, your honour.”
Asked if he had anything to say, the accused said “no”.
The judge ordered him to be remanded for two weeks at IMH for medical examination and fixed the case for a further mention on Dec 27.
If convicted of molesting a minor, he could be jailed for up to five years and fined. He cannot be caned as he is above 50.
NON-TEACHING STAFF FIRED
In response to CNA’s queries, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said it was made aware on Dec 5 of an alleged case of outrage of modesty that took place in a preschool about a month before.
“ECDA has since commenced investigations into the case. As the case is under investigation by both ECDA and the police, we are unable to comment further on it,” it added.
The agency noted that the non-teaching staff in question has been dismissed by the preschool.
“ECDA will not allow the staff to work in the preschool sector while investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, ECDA has instructed the preschool to closely monitor its children and provide close supervision and guidance to its staff.
“We will be working with the preschool to ensure the safety and well-being of enrolled children.”
ECDA stressed that it conducts background checks on staff, including non-teaching staff, before any deployment to preschools. These checks include determining if staff have any previous criminal offences involving children or have been barred earlier from working in the preschool sector.
The agency also said it expects all preschools to report all serious incidents that affect the safety of children within 24 hours.
“If it is proven there is unreasonable delay in the reporting, we will take the preschool to task,” it added.