A High Court judge in Singapore has recently overturned the guilty verdict of a woman accused of abusing two domestic helpers at her home in Sentosa Cove. Tan Lee Hoon, 60, had been convicted in December 2022 of seven charges of voluntarily causing hurt to the two maids but was acquitted of one charge. The District Judge Salina Ishak had sentenced her to 10 months’ jail and ordered her to pay compensation to each victim in January 2023. However, Justice Aidan Xu @ Aedit Abdullah decided to overturn the verdict based on substantial inconsistencies in the evidence presented by the prosecution.
In a dramatic turn of events, Mdm Tan was accompanied by her family and close friends in court when the decision was announced. She was visibly emotional, sobbing with relief after the judge’s ruling. Her statement through her lawyer, Derek Kang, expressed her gratitude that justice had finally prevailed. Mdm Tan, who had vehemently denied the allegations from the beginning, shared that she had suffered greatly during the case and emphasized that she had always treated her domestic helpers well, aiming for their happiness.
Inconsistencies in Testimony: A Critical Analysis
Justice Xu highlighted various inconsistencies in the testimonies of the domestic helpers, Ms Lizardo Joan Lozares and Ms Jenefer Vegafria Arangote, which played a crucial role in his decision to overturn the verdict. For instance, Ms Lozares’ conflicting accounts of the timing of the alleged abuse incidents raised doubts about the accuracy and credibility of her testimony. Similarly, discrepancies in the number of times Ms Arangote claimed she was pinched by Mdm Tan cast further doubt on the reliability of the accusations.
Moreover, Justice Xu emphasized the importance of details in such cases, pointing out discrepancies in the alleged pain levels experienced by the maids and the specific locations of the abusive acts. These inconsistencies, according to the judge, significantly weakened the foundation of the prosecution’s case against Mdm Tan. In contrast, Mdm Tan’s consistent denial of the allegations and her unwavering stance throughout the trial added to the credibility of her defense.
Legal Implications and Sentencing Considerations
The legal repercussions of the case were substantial, with the possibility of a jail term of up to three years or a fine of up to S$5,000 (US$3,700) for those found guilty of voluntarily causing hurt. In situations involving domestic workers, the court may impose harsher penalties, up to one-and-a-half times the standard punishment. This sentencing guideline underscores the gravity of offenses against domestic helpers and the need to ensure their protection and well-being.
In conclusion, the overturned verdict in Mdm Tan’s case sheds light on the complexities and challenges of legal proceedings involving allegations of abuse and mistreatment. The meticulous scrutiny of evidence, the importance of consistency in testimonies, and the need for a fair and thorough evaluation of all facts are vital aspects of ensuring justice in such sensitive cases. As Mdm Tan walks away from this legal battle vindicated, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding truth and fairness in the pursuit of justice.
