SINGAPORE : A man has been sentenced to 32 years in jail and 24 strokes of the cane for raping five of his daughters.

The offences took place between December 2003 and June 2005.

Police arrested the accused after one of his daughters reported being raped.

The names of the accused and the victims have been withheld by the court to protect the victim's family.

When Justice Tay Yong Kwang read his judgment in his courtroom at the Supreme Court, he said the father in this case wielded strong influence over his entire family.

Justice Tay said, "It was a sad and shameful abuse of this trust and respect that allowed him to do what he did with the five daughters. Equally, it was because of this trust and respect that no violence accompanied each occasion of violation as none was needed to make the daughters submit to him."

He added, "Like any other young girl, I am sure they appreciated their father's love but simply could not comprehend why it was taking a perverse dimension."

Justice Tay reassured the eldest daughter that she did the right thing by reporting the case to the police.

He said the girls have nothing to be ashamed of as the wrongdoing was on the part of their father, who has admitted his mistake and so spared his family the heartache of testifying against him.

The judge said it was a difficult task for the court to sentence the main provider of a family.

But Justice Tay said the family must accept the accused not contributing financially for a long time and make adjustments.

In passing sentence, the judge said the rapes were systematic and sickening.

The victims' childhood innocence was aborted by the man, who turned against his own offspring.

This case was also unique in that so many daughters fell prey to their own father.

After sentencing, the judge allowed the accused and his family to meet for 15 minutes. - CNA /ct








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