A 31-year-old man assaulted a woman who helped him get home after a dinner, pinning her on his bed and molesting her despite her resistance.
SINGAPORE — A 31-year-old man, Bi Ran, has been sentenced to four years in prison and four strokes of the cane for assaulting a woman he met on a social networking app. The assault occurred after a night out, during which Bi became heavily intoxicated, and the woman, attempting to help him home, was attacked in his bedroom.
The court heard that on February 5, 2022, after sharing dinner and drinks in Chinatown, Bi got drunk, consuming five to six bottles of beer. The woman, who had only two beers, initially attempted to go home separately but noticed Bi’s private-hire driver had refused to take him due to his intoxicated state. Concerned for his safety, she decided to assist Bi by taking him to his residence before continuing to her own home.
Upon arrival at Bi’s apartment block, the woman intended to leave him at the walkway but was guilted by a passerby who suggested she should help him further. Feeling responsible, she assisted him into his room. However, after entering the room, Bi forcefully restrained her on his bed, ignoring her protests and attempts to leave. He assaulted her, both over and under her clothes, and even used a sex toy he had in his possession. The victim continued to resist and eventually managed to escape.
The next day, the woman reported the incident to the police, and Bi was arrested. He later contacted her, claiming to be unaware of what had happened and asking her to take care of him, sending her pictures of vomit and continuously trying to reconnect via social media.
In court, Bi pleaded guilty to one charge of criminal force with intent to outrage the woman’s modesty. Two additional charges were considered in sentencing. Bi could have faced between two and 10 years of imprisonment, along with caning, for restraining and assaulting the victim.
Despite Bi’s actions, the woman managed to leave the scene and reported the matter the following day, with medical examinations confirming the injuries she sustained during the struggle. The court ultimately handed down a sentence of four years’ imprisonment and four strokes of the cane.
