SINGAPORE

In a chilling case that underscores the severe implications of harassment, Sven Teo Jin Kiat, a 35-year-old married man, has been sentenced to three months in jail for stalking his former employee over an almost two-year period. The verdict was delivered on January 13 under the Protection from Harassment Act, highlighting the persistent and distressing nature of his actions.

The Victim's Ordeal

The victim, a 29-year-old woman, reported a series of alarming incidents that began in June 2023. Over time, she filed seven police reports against Teo, detailing his relentless and invasive behavior. This included him lurking around her new workplace, as well as outside her home, and even following her on public transport.

The Start of Obsession

Teo's obsession began when the woman worked at his salon, where he expressed romantic interest, only to be rebuffed due to his marital status. After she left the salon for another job, Teo's fixation grew, prompting him to stalk her at various locations, including the void deck of her residential block and public transport routes to and from work.

Prosecutors and Evidence

Prosecutor Gladys Lim recounted multiple instances wherein Teo would loiter nearby, discreetly trailing her as she traveled on buses and the MRT. On several occasions, he sent the victim unsolicited gifts, including a luxury Christian Dior bag and various food items, all accompanied by notes professing his feelings, which she found distressing.

Continuous Harassment

From January to October 2024 alone, Teo flooded the victim with more than 30 emails from multiple addresses, emotively detailing his love for her and making requests for meetings. In these communications, he accused her of being cold-hearted for not responding and demanded she withdraw her police reports against him.

Legal Proceedings

Despite ongoing police investigations and warnings to cease his behavior, Teo continued his stalking spree even after being charged and granted bail. The emotional toll on the victim was significant, as she reported feeling harassed and living in constant fear of his next move, leading her to seek the assistance of friends to monitor her safety.

Sentencing Remarks

DPP Lim argued for a jail term between three to four months, emphasizing the victim's distress and the pervasive nature of Teo's harassment, comparing him to an "unwanted surveillance camera." This case serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of stalking and the importance of taking harassment reports seriously.

Legal Context

Under Singapore's laws, perpetrators found guilty of stalking risk a maximum penalty of one year in prison, fines of up to $5,000, or both. As society grapples with the complexities of personal safety and harassment, this case stands as both a tragic account and a call to action for better protections for victims.