Man, 78, charged with confining 12-year-old girl in toilet, trying to get her to perform sex act

If convicted of wrongful confinement, Huang Youcai can be sentenced to three years' jail, fined or both. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG

SINGAPORE - A 78-year-old man was charged on Monday with confining a 12-year-old girl inside a Bukit Panjang community club toilet where he attempted to get her to perform an obscene act on him.

Huang Youcai, a Singapore permanent resident, was charged with one count of wrongful confinement and one count of sexual exploitation of a child under the Children and Young Persons Act.

There is a gag order to protect the identity of the victim.

On Feb 1 at about 8.30pm, Huang allegedly used his left hand to hold the door of the handicapped toilet cubicle at the Senja-Cashew Community Club closed for about two minutes, preventing the victim from getting out.

He also allegedly held her hand and forearm, and asked her in Mandarin if she knew how to perform a sex act on him.

Huang is expected to return to court on Aug 7 to plead guilty to his charges. If convicted of wrongful confinement, Huang can be sentenced to three years’ jail, fined, or both.

For attempting to commit an indecent act on a child, a first-time offender can be jailed for up to seven years and fined up to $10,000. A repeat offender can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to $20,000.

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.