SINGAPORE - A chief cook who squeezed the breast of a woman twice was jailed for nine months on Thursday.

Indian national Sathaiya Ilayaraja, 26, admitted using criminal force to outrage the modesty of the 39-year-old beautician, at an HDB block in Ubi on Nov 7.

The court heard that Ilayaraja had been drinking after receiving his pay the previous day. At about 1am on Nov 7, the victim was waiting for the lift at the ground floor lobby of the block when she saw Ilayaraja walking towards her. He was sweating and smelt of alcohol.

The two of them entered the lift. She asked if he lived in the area and he said yes.

While the lift was ascending, he squeezed the victim's breast. Shocked, she immediately got out of the lift on the fourth floor.

Ilayaraja followed her and molested her again. When he tried to touch her again, she fended him off with her umbrella. He then fled down the stairs.

He could have been jailed for up to two years, fined, caned or received any combined punishment.