2 years' probation for getting friend to be prostitute

A 20-year-old pub hostess who got her 17-year-old friend to work as a prostitute in Geylang was sentenced to two years' probation on Thursday and ordered to perform 130 hours of community service.

Lynn Teo Ling Kai had pleaded guilty in September to living off the earnings of prostitution, and abetting men to obtain commercial sex with an underage prostitute.

The two became friends while participating in a lion dance troupe in early 2011.

The minor, ordered by the court not to be identified, then came to stay with Teo's family at a flat in Marine Parade.

They would spend their time with Teo's 32-year-old boyfriend Lau Ming Song, who worked as a cook. In the evenings, the minor would join Teo at pubs where they would accompany men to earn tips and commissions on drinks.

To earn even more, Teo suggested that her friend prostitute herself while she would help in getting customers. Lau looked out for police officers.

The rate was $50 for 1 1/2 hours of sex with an additional $10 for the rental of a room at a nearby lodging house. The minor handed over about $750 to Teo between January and May last year.

Their activities came to light when the minor was arrested for stealing from a shop in July last year. In the course of the investigation, she admitted she had provided sexual services.

Her accomplices were then arrested. Lau was sentenced in January to 11 1/2 months in jail for his role.

Yesterday, Teo was found to be suitable for probation, which also means she cannot leave home from 10pm till 6am without permission.

For living off prostitution earnings, she could have been jailed for up to five years and fined. The penalty for abetting a customer to have commercial sex with a minor is a jail term of up to seven years and a fine.

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