Married man, 40, attempted to rape long-time female friend, 32, at Punggol flat after drinking, says he's 'not a good person'

A married man arranged to meet a female friend he had known for over 10 years and attempted to rape her at his house.

Tan Boon Seng, 40, has now been sentenced to eight years in jail and 10 strokes of the cane.

According to Shin Min Daily News, Tan faced five charges, including attempted rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault.

He pleaded guilty to two charges, with the remaining charges considered during sentencing.

Friends for over 10 years

Tan and the 32-year-old victim reportedly met through a friend around 2010 and had also been neighbours at one point.

Investigations revealed that the victim returned to Singapore and contacted Tan to meet up.

It was not said where the victim originally came from.

The two then arranged to meet at Punggol MRT station at around 7pm on Jun. 29, 2024.

Tan told the victim he had to go back to his house in Punggol, which was under renovation as he was expecting a delivery.

The two went back together and bought four bottles of soju on the way, which they later drank on the floor of one of the rooms.

At midnight, they went out again to buy six more bottles of soju and continued drinking.

Stayed overnight

As it was late and there was no public transport, Tan asked the victim to stay overnight.

At 3am, the victim was exhausted and wanted to sleep, but Tan reportedly tried to hug her at least twice. She reportedly pushed him away and asked him to keep his distance.

When Tan was asleep, the victim shook him awake because of his loud snoring, and they were said to have resumed drinking.

Around 5am, the victim was about to take the first bus home, but Tan reportedly became violent.

Tan groped the victim, who repeatedly tried to push him away, but he ignored her, at one point pressing his foot against her shoulder and grabbing her legs.

Unable to break free, the victim repeatedly cried out for him to stop, but Tan continued his actions.

Said he was not a good person

During his hearing, Tan expressed remorse and said he was "not a good person".

He said he had committed multiple crimes in his youth, but had since turned over a new leaf, even trying to be a responsible father and a good husband.

He claimed that he had known the victim for many years and that they were close, but had drifted apart.

Tan said he was glad the victim called the police and knew that no matter how severe the punishment was, it could not erase the harm he had caused her.

He hoped that the verdict would bring an end to the situation for the victim.

Tan requested the judge to grant him a postponement of his sentence, allowing him a week to spend time with his family.

In sentencing, the High Court judge stated that the victim's willingness to go to her male friend's house for drinks and an overnight stay did not equate to consent to sexual relations.

Top photo from Canva