S’pore pastor, 71, molested girl, 12, with language impairment for over 5 years, paid her S$20 a week 'for silence'

A 71-year-old church pastor repeatedly molested a girl with severe specific language impairment over several years.

The prosecutor has called for between 36.5 and 42 months’ jail, according to sentencing submissions.

Prosecutors said the offences amounted to “systematic abuse of a vulnerable child over five years,” and described how the accused “transformed what should have been a spiritual sanctuary into his personal hunting ground.”

He pleaded guilty to one molestation charge on Apr. 6. Two similar charges will be taken into consideration during sentencing. The Straits Times (ST) reported that he is expected to be sentenced on May 6.

Offences took place between 2015 and 2019

According to court proceedings, the offences began between Apr. 16, 2015 and Apr. 15, 2016, when the victim was around 12 years old.

She had been accompanying her mother to church frequently during the school holidays. The pastor later asked her to help with paperwork and administrative duties in his office.

He subsequently molested her on multiple occasions over the years.

Court documents stated the offences continued until 2019.

Weekly payments followed first incident

After the initial molestation, the pastor began giving the victim weekly payments of about S$20, sometimes S$40.

Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Adelle Tai told the court the girl interpreted the money as consideration for keeping quiet, although this was not explicitly stated by the accused.

By the time the offences stopped, she had received around S$2,000 in total. The DPP described his actions as "paying her for silence".

Victim disclosed abuse years later after flashbacks

The victim did not immediately report the offences because the pastor told her to keep them secret.

According to ST, in early 2022, she experienced flashbacks of the man's sexual acts while praying and could not endure the distress any longer.

She would then confide in her sister and mother on Sept. 13 that year. She made a police report two days later.

She was subsequently referred for medical assessment and diagnosed with PTSD.

Court documents stated she experienced symptoms including recurring distressing memories, nightmares and anxiety following the abuse.

Prosecution: pastor “weaponised his pastoral authority”

In sentencing submissions, prosecutors highlighted several aggravating factors.

They said the accused “weaponised his pastoral authority” and exploited his position as a religious leader to gain access to the victim.

They also noted that the offences took place over about five years and involved a child with a developmental condition that created additional barriers in articulating her distress.

The victim’s mother had also frequently sought advice from the pastor on family and spiritual matters, which prosecutors said helped facilitate continued access to the girl.

“This case involves the systematic abuse of a vulnerable child over five years,” DPP Tai said in court, adding that the accused had turned what should have been a place of safety into one of exploitation.

Two additional charges considered during sentencing

Two other molestation charges will be taken into consideration during sentencing.

Prosecutors are seeking between 36.5 and 42 months’ jail, which includes an additional three months’ imprisonment in lieu of caning due to the accused’s age.

A gag order prevents the publication of details that could identify the victim or the church.

Top image via Canva, Mothership