Team S'pore athlete charged with sexual offences against girl, 12

A Team Singapore athlete has been charged with sexual offences against a 12-year-old girl.

He was 17 at the time.

The accused faces two charges of rape and one charge of committing an indecent act with a child by kissing her lips, CNA reported.

As the alleged offences occurred when the accused was below 18, he cannot be identified under the Children and Young Persons Act.

A court gag order is also in place to protect the identity of the victim.

What happened

Court records seen by CNA revealed that the accused first met the victim online.

All three of the alleged offences took place during a single incident at a Bukit Batok housing block.

The sports associations told CNA that they had only learnt of the charges on Jul. 2, during a scheduled court mention of the case.

“Pending the outcome of the court proceedings and our own review into the matter, we have suspended his carding support with immediate effect,” the associations said.

“We take such matters seriously. Team Singapore athletes are expected to uphold high standards of conduct.

Where athletes are found to have fallen short of these standards, we will not hesitate to take the appropriate disciplinary actions.”

The case was adjourned to Jul. 30.

If convicted of rape, he could be jailed for up to 20 years and fined or caned.

If convicted of committing an indecent act with a child, he could be jailed for up to seven years, fined up to S$10,000, or both.