Gag order lifted on preschool cook who allegedly sexually assaulted 2-year-old girl

The court lifted the gag order on the identity of the man who allegedly sexually assaulted a 2-year-old girl when he was working as a cook at her preschool.

Teo Guan Huat, 60, was given eight charges for offences he committed between May and November 2023, where three charges involved children in diapers.

On one occasion, Teo molested a 2-year-old girl by putting his hand inside her diaper.

Teo was removed from his position when the alleged offences came to light.

A gag order was previously imposed to protect the victim's identity, though this was lifted after the prosecution argued that redacting only the names of the child and the preschool would be sufficient, reported Shin Min Daily News and The Straits Times.

He was expected to plead guilty on Aug. 22, but it was delayed after Teo disputed the duration for some of the offences.

For using criminal force on a person below 14 years old with the intent to outrage modesty, Teo may face up to five years' jail, a fine, caning, or any combination of such punishments.

His case will return for a pre-trial conference on Sep. 8.

Four women were charged with allegedly attempting to cover up incident

Four women, who were former management staff of the preschool, were charged with allegedly attempting to cover up the incident.

The women, aged 48, 58, 61, and 66, were all handed one charge of intentionally omitting information on the alleged sexual assault.

All four women have since been removed from their positions.

The 66-year-old was given a stern warning and granted a discharge amounting to an acquittal, meaning she cannot be charged again with the same offence.

The other three women’s cases are still pending before the courts.

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