Man jailed 14 weeks for molesting woman at MBS

A businessman was jailed 14 weeks yesterday for molesting a young part-time worker when he attended an exhibition at the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) convention hall.

Cornelius Khoo Hong Sin, 62, who pleaded guilty, had shook the 21-year-old woman's hand and beckoned her to sit next to him on a couch on May 12 last year.

He was then at the Tax Free World Association Asia Pacific Bar when the victim's male colleague introduced them.

During the handshake, he pulled at her hand and gestured that she sit next to him.

He then put his arm around her back and held her close to him. She felt uncomfortable and tried to move away but each time, he prevented her by holding her to him.

He even commented that the victim was his girlfriend, to which her colleague replied that she was not.

Khoo then moved his hand underneath the victim's right arm and molested her. She immediately got up and left with her colleague. A police report was made the next day.

His lawyer, Tan Hsuan Boon, said in mitigation that his client's actions were entirely out of character and not premeditated. He said the father of two and grandfather of one is a loving husband and filial son, and contributes actively to the community.

Mr Tan also said his client, who has regularly attended the conference for more than 20 years without incident, is very remorseful for the distress caused. He has written a letter of apology and offered compensation to the victim, who is still considering it.

The maximum penalty for molestation is two years' jail, a fine and caning.

elena@sph.com.sg

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