SINGAPORE – A 12-year-old girl was on her way home from school when she was approached by a teenage boy who asked if she wanted to be his photography model. She agreed, but ended up getting molested by the 18-year-old instead.

Lester Ong, a full-time national serviceman (NSF), was placed on 18 months’ supervised probation by the State Court on Thursday (June 13), after he had pleaded guilty to molesting the girl in March this year.

During his probation, Ong must remain indoors between 10pm and 6am, except if it is to fulfil national service obligations. He has also been ordered to serve 120 hours of community service as well as attend psycho-education sessions on healthy sexuality and responsible sexual conduct.

In addition, Ong is not allowed to be left alone with any child aged 12 and under unless supervised by an adult.

District Judge Eddy Tham said that if Ong abides by the terms of probation, there will be no record of conviction upon its completion.

Addressing Ong directly, DJ Tham said: “Here’s a chance given to you to have a clean record despite the offences you have committed.” 

The judge added that if Ong breaches any of the terms or reoffends, he will be hauled back to court to face more serious charges.

Ong, who stood impassive in the docks, agreed to the terms and promised he would not reoffend.

His parents, who were present in the court as well, also promised to help their son rehabilitate. A bond of S$5,000 was imposed on them to ensure their son’s good behaviour during his probation period.

DO YOU WANT TO BE A MODEL?

In March, the court heard that Ong chanced upon his victim at an HDB block while she was on her way home from school on July 12 last year.

The pair did not know each other, but that did not stop him from asking the girl, who cannot be named to protect her identity, if she wanted to be his photography model.

She agreed and as they headed up to the second floor, Ong touched the girl’s buttocks.

The victim thought it was an accident as Ong had apologised.

However, he later unbuttoned her blouse and touched her inappropriately under the pretext of helping her with some poses.

The girl filed a police report against Ong after she told her parents what had transpired that afternoon.

Ong was arrested by the police shortly after.

For outraging the modesty of a girl below 14 years old, Ong could have been jailed for up to five years, fined and caned, or any combination of the three punishments.

In January this year, a 21-year-old male model was also placed on 15 months’ probation for molesting a woman after a private party at Sentosa Cove.

As part of his probation, Coker Gyles Akinkumni Jagdeesh was required to serve 100 hours of community service.