Singaporean Man Jailed and Caned for Vile Molestation in Mall Nursing Room, Other Crimes Revealed

In a chilling incident that sent shockwaves through the community, a 31-year-old man, Lee Wei Jian, has been handed a significant sentence for molesting a recruiter in a nursing room at Changi City Point mall. The shocking assault, which took place in broad daylight, has resulted in a 14-month and three-week jail term, accompanied by three strokes of the cane, underscoring Singapore's firm stance against such heinous crimes.

Lee Wei Jian pleaded guilty to a range of offenses, including molestation, public nuisance, and theft.

The most disturbing charge stemmed from the events of February 16, 2023, when a 27-year-old recruiter found herself in a terrifying ordeal within the supposed sanctuary of a mall nursing room. She had entered the room, situated on the second floor of Changi City Point, to await a friend, completely unaware of the lurking danger.

Court documents revealed the harrowing details: Lee, who had been loitering nearby, seized the opportunity to follow the unsuspecting victim into the room.

Once inside, he attempted to secure the door, trapping her. What followed was a terrifying struggle, as Lee pushed the victim against the wall and proceeded to molest her. In a moment of incredible bravery, the victim fought back, screaming and struggling desperately. Her cries and valiant efforts eventually allowed her to pry open the door and escape, immediately seeking help from a nearby security guard.

The swift action of the victim and mall staff led to Lee's apprehension by the police a short distance away.

During the subsequent investigation, Lee admitted to deliberately following the victim into the nursing room with malicious intent, shedding light on the premeditated nature of his actions.

The molestation incident was not an isolated act of misconduct by Lee Wei Jian. He also faced charges for other offenses that painted a picture of a disregard for public order and law.

On December 13, 2022, he committed an act of public nuisance by urinating near a bus stop at Changi Business Park Crescent, an inconsiderate act that earned him a separate conviction. Furthermore, on February 1, 2023, just weeks before the molestation, Lee engaged in theft, shoplifting a S$34.90 T-shirt from a Uniqlo outlet at Tampines 1 mall.

During the sentencing, Deputy Public Prosecutor Teo Qi Lin highlighted the gravity of Lee's actions, seeking a robust punishment of 15 to 18 months' jail and three strokes of the cane.

In mitigation, Lee's defense lawyer, Ashwin Ganapathy, appointed by the Legal Aid Bureau, appealed for leniency, citing his client's expressed remorse, cooperation with the authorities, and an alleged intention to undergo counselling to address his issues.

However, the court ultimately sided with the prosecution's emphasis on deterrence and punishment for such severe violations.

Lee Wei Jian's cumulative sentence of 14 months and three weeks' imprisonment, along with the three strokes of the cane, serves as a stark reminder that places intended for public safety and comfort are not immune to criminal acts, and those who perpetrate them will face the full force of the law.