Teacher appeals against jail sentence for sexual abuse of 11-year-old girl, says relationship built on 'true love'
Teo Yan Ting
TNP
Aug 1, 2025
A 33-year-old married primary school teacher was sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually abusing an 11-year-old student over an 11-year period.
Two months later, he appealed, claiming that their relationship was built on "true love". The judge rejected this claim, citing the 21-year age gap and ruling that it was exploitation, not love.
The now 52-year-old primary school teacher faced eight charges, including sexual assault of a minor and offences under the Children and Young Persons Act.
He pleaded not guilty but was convicted after trial and sentenced to 14 years and two months in prison. The victim is now 31 years old.
A gag order has been imposed to protect the victim's identity.
According to court documents reported by Shin Min Daily News, the victim said she began a relationship with the defendant in September 2006. The following year, their interactions escalated from physical intimacy to digital penetration. The defendant had sex with the victim when she was below 16 years old.
The two had been in an inappropriate relationship for several years until June 13, 2017, when the victim's sister discovered three videos on her mobile phone.
In the clips, the victim spoke about difficulties in the relationship and her intention to end it, but said she could not confide in anyone for fear the defendant would cause trouble. This led to the case being exposed.
The defendant later appealed against his conviction and sentence, claiming he and the victim were in a consensual relationship and that she had taken the lead. However, the High Court judge rejected his account as implausible, calling it an attempt to evade responsibility and discredit the victim.
Noting the 21-year age gap between them, the judge concluded the relationship was not one of love but of exploitation.
The defendant argued that he had not coerced or pressured the victim, but the judge found that he had abused his position of authority to commit the offence.
As the victim's teacher, the defendant should have guided and protected her, the judge said, but instead chose to exploit her for his own ends.
The judge also found the sentence appropriate and dismissed the appeal.
