- Singaporean man jailed for assaulting Vietnamese wife.
- Incident occurred after suspecting wife of illegal work as a pub hostess.
- Case highlights domestic violence concerns in Singapore.
A troubled marriage led to a violent outburst in a Singapore pub and a nearby bus stop, resulting in jail time for the husband.
Domestic Violence Case Shocks Singapore
According to Channel NewsAsia, a Singaporean man has been jailed for assaulting his Vietnamese wife at a pub’s nearby bus stop.
Ong Bee Hua, 58, was sentenced to one week in jail on 30 July 2023.
He pleaded guilty to one count of voluntarily causing hurt to his wife, Do Thi Ngan, 35.
The couple’s marriage in June 2023 quickly soured, leading to frequent arguments.
Here are some key highlights to note:
- Ong met Ngan at a pub in 2019 where she worked as a pub hostess.
- Their marriage was marked by accusations of cheating.
- Ngan moved out of Ong’s residence in late July 2023 due to ongoing conflicts.
Violent Confrontation at S Box Pub’s Nearby Bus Stop
District Judge Kessler Soh questioned the defence’s argument in court, stating, “Are you saying it is alright for this man to assault his wife, slap her in public, pull her hair, because of these reasons and expect to get away with a fine?”
On 16 October 2023, Ong found Ngan at S Box Pub & Entertainment, suspecting she was working illegally as a pub hostess.
He attempted to record her with his phone, leading to a confrontation at S Box Pub.
Later at a nearby bus stop, Ong slapped Ngan multiple times and pulled her hair during the altercation.
A bystander recorded the incident, which was later used as evidence.
Take a look at this quick table for a clear overview:
| Event | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Ong discovers Ngan at S Box Pub | Attempts to record her |
| Confrontation at S Box Pub | Pair begin quarrelling |
| Confrontation at nearby bus stop | Ong slaps and pulls her hair |
| Bystander records incident | Evidence for court case |
| Ngan seeks medical attention | Reports pain in left cheek |
Legal Consequences and Public Reaction
The prosecutor, discussing the severity of domestic violence, stated, “The sustained and prolonged attack that Ong inflicted upon his wife necessitates a strong response.”
The prosecution requested a one to two-week jail term for Ong.
The maximum sentence for voluntarily causing hurt is three years in prison and/or a fine of up to S$5,000.
The case has sparked public discussions about domestic abuse support systems in Singapore.
Media focus has turned to the need for protective measures for vulnerable individuals.
Troubled Marriage and Legal Complications
Defence lawyer Joseph Yoong highlighted the couple’s marital difficulties, saying, “The woman had filed for a divorce on grounds of non-consummation – which Ong challenged.”
Ong’s defence claimed his actions were provoked by finding a “love bite” on his Vietnamese wife.
This argument raised questions about justification for domestic violence.
Ngan filed for a personal protection order against Ong after the incident.
The case has brought attention to the complexities of short-term marriages and domestic disputes.
Addressing Domestic Violence in Singapore
The judge emphasised the importance of deterrence in cases of spousal violence.
Singapore’s legal system continues to grapple with responding effectively to domestic violence cases.
Support services for victims of domestic abuse are being scrutinised in light of this case.
Public awareness about the seriousness of domestic violence is growing due to media coverage.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, seek help immediately by calling 999 for urgent cases.
