SINGAPORE - A former social work associate who molested a homemaker on two consecutive days was jailed for four months yesterday.
Veerasamy Marimuthu, 53, admitted to one charge of outraging the modesty of the 39-year-old mother of two on Jan 6.
He was working in one of the programmes under AMKFSC Community Services . The victim is a beneficiary of the scheme and receives food rations from Ang Mo Kio Family Service Centre.
On Jan 5, Veerasamy went to her home and used criminal force to touch her hands. This charge was considered during his sentencing.
The next day he visited her again and entered the flat under the pretext of wanting to talk to her about her children's school needs.
While sitting close to her on a sofa, he pulled her right hand and stroked her back. He asked why she did not allow him to kiss her and she indicated that she did not want to. He tried anyway, and ended up kissing her right shoulder. Frightened, she stood up. He managed to hug her before leaving.
Two days later, the victim told a counsellor at the family service centre about the matter. She also told her husband.
District Judge Salina Ishak said he was supposed to provide aid to the victim, and not to inflict fear and harm. He had also abused his position of trust.
AMKFSC Community Services' chief executive Dr Vincent Ng said they take a serious view on the professional conduct of all its staff and do not condone such malpractice.
Veerasamy, whose services was terminated, could have been jailed for up to two years and fined.
