Plumber, 65, scales wall of landed home and assaults domestic helper for breaking up with him

A plumber who was in a romantic relationship with a domestic helper allegedly broke into her employer's residence and assaulted the maid after she tried to end the relationship.

Chua Kok Poi, 65, pleaded guilty on Sept 18 to five charges, including housebreaking, voluntarily causing hurt and theft.

The Singaporean man worked as a plumber at a home in the Telok Kurau residential enclave. The domestic helper was employed at the same home, reported Shin Min Daily News.

According to charge sheets, Chua is accused of entering the house without permission between 10pm on March 21 to 5am on March 22.

He allegedly hurt the maid by pulling her hair, slamming her head against the floor and squeezing her chest.

This caused the woman to suffer body pain in the back of her head and her breast, as well as a bruise on her scalp.

Chua also allegedly stole three phones and $150 in cash belonging to the helper.

Prior to the incident, the victim had told Chua she wanted to end their relationship as her employment contract was coming to an end and she intended to return to her home country, Shin Min reported.

Unable to accept the breakup, Chua reportedly climbed a wall to enter the home before making his way to the maid's bedroom that night.

The court heard on Sept 18 that the helper had accepted his marriage proposal, and he had spent a considerable sum on her during their relationship.

In a plea for leniency, his lawyer said Chua had returned all the stolen items and acted out of desperation in an attempt to save the relationship.

Chua was granted bail of $20,000 to arrange for compensation relating to the victim's medical expenses, according to Shin Min.

He will be sentenced on Oct 1.

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lim.kewei@asiaone.com