SINGAPORE: A former cook at a preschool who has been accused of molesting a toddler is set to face three more similar charges, a court heard on Wednesday (Jan 24).
The 59-year-old Malaysian and Singapore permanent resident was first charged on Dec 6 with molesting a two-year-old girl in her diaper on Nov 9 at the preschool.
After being charged, he was assessed at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) and found to be suffering from paedophilic disorder.
He cannot be named due to a gag order preventing the publication of anything that could lead to the identification of the victim.
The gag order also extends to the location of the incident, so the preschool cannot be named.
The accused appeared in court via video-link on Wednesday from his place of remand. He has been remanded since Dec 6.
He asked to speak in English.
The police prosecutor said the case was not ready and that more time was needed to complete investigations and to liaise with the Attorney-General’s Chambers.
The man will be facing three more similar charges, said the prosecutor, asking for no bail to be offered.
The defence had no objections.
The case will be heard again on Feb 21.
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.
In a previous statement, the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) said the accused had been dismissed by the preschool and he would not be allowed to work in the preschool sector while investigations are ongoing.
ECDA said it conducts background checks on staff, including non-teaching staff, before they are deployed to preschools.