A GrabHitch driver in Singapore has been convicted for masturbating in front of a female passenger.

This was reported in a July 19 Lianhe Wanbao report.

Zhang Jia Hao, 24, pleaded guilty to one count of insulting a woman's modesty that day.

Steering with only one hand

The court heard that the Zhang picked up a 22-year-old female student on Jan. 24, 2018 along Circular Road.

Along the way, the student saw that Zhang was steering with only his left hand because his right hand was occupied with something.

Upon closer inspection, she realised -- to her horror -- that Zhang's pants was open at the crotch area and he was furiously pleasuring himself.

Passenger tried engaging in conversation

Not knowing if Zhang had other perverse plans in mind, the student tried to engage in conversation with him.

At that point, Zhang tried to use his hand to cover his crotch.

After talking for a bit, the girl plucked up the courage to ask Zhang if that was the first time he masturbated while ferrying a customer.

Zhang admitted that he was indeed masturbating and apologised.

The female student then requested Zhang to let her alight from the vehicle nearby immediately.

She called her 32-year-old boyfriend and gave him Zhang's personal information.

Student's boyfriend issued threat

Contacting Zhang over WhatsApp, the student's boyfriend demanded that Zhang come clean to his own family and fiancée.

The couple threatened to report him to the police if he did not comply.

Zhang then lodged a police report and told them what had happened.

Denying that he was masturbating, Zhang insisted to the police that he was merely scratching an itch from a rash outbreak below his hip.

Zhang told the police he decided to lodge a police report to "protect himself".

He also provided the same story to his family.

The lawyer representing Zhang is fighting to get him a probationary sentencing.

The case has been adjourned to July 26, 2019.

Top image via Woozie Wisdom and YourMechanic