A factory worker from China who molested three women in lifts last August was sentenced to four years six months' jail and nine strokes of the cane on Monday.

Dong Liang, 22, who faced three charges, admitted to one charge of causing hurt to the victim while molesting her and another of poking the breast of a woman and patting her groin area.

On Aug 26, a 21-year-old woman was waiting for the lift at Bukit Batok Street 32 at 9.37pm on Aug 26 when Dong got into the lift with her.

As the lift was ascending, she felt him moving close to her, Suddenly, he stretched out his hand and grabbed her right arm. He also inserted his hand into her tank top and bra and gave her a tight and painful squeeze.

The victim, who felt scared and angry, fell as a result. She screamed. But he did not release her and continued to squeeze her breast.

When the lift door was about to open, he released her and subsequently fled down the staircase.

Eleven days earlier, the court heard that Dong had entered the lift at Bukit Batok Street 52 just as the door closed after a 26-year-old victim had gone in. The victim was answering a call when she suddenly realised that Dong had moved to stand beside her. He smiled at her but she ignored him.

Just then, he used his finger to poke her breast over her clothes. She felt shocked and bewildered.

When the lift door opened, he walked out and she pressed the "close door'' button. But he pressed the lift button from outside, went back in and poked her on the breast about six more times. He further molested her by moving his hand towards her groin area and patted it. He had also tried to lift up her blouse.

Dong, who lived in Bukit Batok Street 31, was arrested on Aug 31. Another similar charge was considered during his sentencing.