Singapore court jails man for raping five daughters

Singapore, Apr 19: A Singapore court has awarded 32-year imprisonment and 24 cane strokes to a 45-year-old man for raping five of his daughters with the help of his wives, whom he had convinced by subverting part of the Quran.

Giving his judgement yesterday, Justice Tay Yong Kwang commended and reassured the eldest daughter, who was also raped by the man, for lodging a police report against his father.

The sixth daughter, aged 12, was a victim of two rape attempts.

Justice Tay said the father in this case wielded strong influence over his entire family, but it was a sad and shameful abuse of the trust and respect that allowed him to do what he did with the five daughters.

''Equally, it was because of this trust and respect that no violence accompanied each occasion of violation as none was needed to make the daughters submit to him. Like any other young girl, I am sure they appreciated their father's love but simply could not comprehend why it was taking a perverse dimension,'' the Judge said.

The father raped his five daughters between December 2003 and June 2005, following which two became pregnant.

The court held back the accused and the victims' names to protect their identity.

After sentencing, the judge allowed the accused and his family, including two of his wives, to meet for 15 minutes.

UNI