PP v Peh Thian Hui: Aggravated Rape, Child Molestation, and Abetment - Sentencing

In Public Prosecutor v Peh Thian Hui and Another, the High Court of Singapore sentenced Peh Thian Hui for aggravated rape, molestation, and related offenses against a minor, and LMH for abetting these crimes. The court imposed significant imprisonment terms, emphasizing the need for deterrence due to the severity and prolonged nature of the abuse. Peh was sentenced to 36 years imprisonment and caning, while LMH received 36 years imprisonment.

1. Case Overview

1.1 Court

High Court

1.2 Outcome

Sentences imposed on both accused persons.

1.3 Case Type

Criminal

1.4 Judgment Type

Grounds of Decision

1.5 Jurisdiction

Singapore

1.6 Description

Sentencing for Peh Thian Hui and LMH for aggravated rape and abetment involving the rape and molestation of a minor. Deterrent sentences imposed.

1.7 Decision Date

2. Parties and Outcomes

Party NameRoleTypeOutcomeOutcome TypeCounsels
Public ProsecutorProsecutionGovernment AgencySentences imposedWon
Francis Ng of Attorney-General’s Chambers
Ravneet Kaur of Attorney-General’s Chambers
Peh Thian HuiDefendantIndividualSentencedLost
LMHDefendantIndividualSentencedLost

3. Judges

Judge NameTitleDelivered Judgment
Tay Yong KwangJudicial CommissionerYes

4. Counsels

Counsel NameOrganization
Francis NgAttorney-General’s Chambers
Ravneet KaurAttorney-General’s Chambers
Kertar SinghKertar & Co
Peter YapChor Pee & Partners

4. Facts

  1. Peh Thian Hui had a sexual relationship with LMH from 1991.
  2. LMH is the mother of the victim.
  3. Peh pleaded guilty to five charges of aggravated rape against the victim.
  4. LMH pleaded guilty to five charges of abetting Peh in committing the aggravated rapes.
  5. The sexual abuse of the victim started in 1996 when she was 9 years old.
  6. LMH intentionally aided Peh in committing the aggravated rapes on her daughter.
  7. The rapes occurred regularly in LMH’s flat.

5. Formal Citations

  1. Public Prosecutor v Peh Thian Hui and Another, CC 29/2002, [2002] SGHC 112

6. Timeline

DateEvent
Peh got to know LMH through LMH’s husband.
LMH developed a sexual relationship with Peh.
Sexual abuse of the victim started.
Peh inserted a vibrator into the victim’s vagina.
Peh raped the victim while watching the programme 'Countdown 2000'.
Peh ordered the victim to perform fellatio on him.
Peh raped the victim in Pasir Ris Park.
The victim got to know A and his girlfriend, B.
Sexual abuse of the victim by Peh aided by LMH continued.
LMH told Peh to stop visiting the flat.
LMH and Peh stopped seeing each other.
The victim learnt that LMH had petitioned for divorce.
The victim lodged a police report against Peh.
Peh and LMH were arrested.
Judgment issued.

7. Legal Issues

  1. Sentencing for Aggravated Rape
    • Outcome: The court imposed a deterrent sentence of 12 years imprisonment and 15 strokes of the cane for each charge.
    • Category: Substantive
    • Related Cases:
      • [1992] 1 SLR 361
      • [1999] 4 SLR 257
  2. Sentencing for Abetment of Aggravated Rape
    • Outcome: The court imposed a sentence of 12 years imprisonment for each charge.
    • Category: Substantive

8. Remedies Sought

  1. Sentencing

9. Cause of Actions

  • Aggravated Rape
  • Abetment of Aggravated Rape
  • Outrage of Modesty
  • Possession of Obscene Films
  • Voluntarily having carnal intercourse against the order of nature
  • Using criminal force

10. Practice Areas

  • Criminal Law
  • Sentencing

11. Industries

  • No industries specified

12. Cited Cases

Case NameCourtAffirmedCitationJurisdictionSignificance
Chia Kim Heng Frederick v PPUnknownYes[1992] 1 SLR 361SingaporeCited for guidance on sentencing for rape charges.
PP v Yap Koon MongUnknownYes[1999] 4 SLR 257SingaporeCited for guidance on sentencing for rape charges.

13. Applicable Rules

Rule Name
No applicable rules

14. Applicable Statutes

Statute NameJurisdiction
s 376(2) Penal Code (Cap 224)Singapore
s 109 Penal Code (Cap 224)Singapore
s 352 Penal Code (Cap 224)Singapore
s 354 Penal Code (Cap 224)Singapore
s 377 Penal Code (Cap 224)Singapore
s 30(2)(a) Films Act (Cap 107, 1998 Ed)Singapore

15. Key Terms and Keywords

15.1 Key Terms

  • Aggravated Rape
  • Abetment
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Deterrent Sentence
  • Victim
  • Molestation
  • Carnal Intercourse

15.2 Keywords

  • Rape
  • Child Molestation
  • Abetment
  • Sentencing
  • Singapore
  • Criminal Law

17. Areas of Law

Area NameRelevance Score
Criminal Law95
Sexual Offences90
Sentencing85
Criminal Procedure80
Offences70
Family Violence30

16. Subjects

  • Criminal Procedure
  • Sentencing
  • Rape
  • Child Abuse