The Straits Times

Man gets 18 years, cane for causing maid's death

A FREELANCE tour guide was sentenced to a total of 18½ years and 12 strokes of the cane on Friday for causing the death of his maid who received horrendous treatment.

The sentence meted out by Judicial Commissioner Choo Han Teck is the highest a maid abuser has received to date in what has been described as the worst maid abuse case in Singapore.

Ng Hua Chye, 47, originally accused of murder, pleaded guilty on Thursday to a reduced charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder for causing the death of Indonesian Muawanatul Chasanah, 19, between Dec 1 and 2 last year.

She was virtually starved of food for a prolonged period, causing her to lose 14 kg from her original 50 kg-frame.

More than 200 injuries were found on her on autopsy. Her duodenum -- a part of the small intestine -- had been punctured and she died of inflammation of the abdomen lining.

She was pronounced dead at the flat of Ng's sister, then at Bedok Reservoir Road, last Dec 2.

Ng, who gave himself up, also admitted to four other charges of abusing her between March and December 1 last year.

To punish her for stealing food and taking food meant for his infant daughter, he caned her, poured hot water, jabbed her back with the handle of a hammer, and burnt her lips and palms with a lighted cigarette.

Ng could have been jailed for life.