SINGAPORE: In two separate cases highlighting the issue of domestic violence and violation of privacy, two men faced legal consequences for their actions against former partners.
Lim Hwa Ghee’s Assault on Ex-Girlfriend
A 49-year-old man, Lim Hwa Ghee, will serve a 10-day short detention order after he pleaded guilty to voluntarily causing hurt to his ex-girlfriend, Chua Sok Hoon, 46. The incident occurred on 8 April 2023, just two days after their break-up.
- Lim swung a kitchen chopper near Ms Chua’s face several times while pinning her down.
- He also assaulted her during a heated argument about their relationship.
- A medical examination revealed bruising and a cut on her arm.
While Deputy Public Prosecutor Chan Yi Cheng initially sought a prison sentence, he later requested a community-based sentence, considering Lim’s status as a first-time offender. The court noted there was no ongoing violence and deemed the offence a one-off incident.
Aaryan Raina Gobinath’s Threats and Secret Recordings
Meanwhile, Aaryan Raina Gobinath, aged 27, was jailed for 14 weeks for secretly recording intimate videos of his ex-girlfriend and threatening to disseminate them.
- Gobinath recorded multiple intimate videos without her consent between October and November 2022.
- He later threatened to share these recordings with her family and friends.
- The victim filed a police report following his threats.
In court, Gobinath’s lawyer expressed that he regretted his actions and had sought counselling. Prosecutors had initially sought a longer sentence of 15 to 18 weeks.
Both cases serve as stark reminders of the importance of protecting individuals from domestic violence and preventing the misuse of personal intimate content.