A former university researcher was fined S$8,000 for sending 116 emails to a PhD student after a court protection order told her to stop.
KEY POINTS
IN SIMPLE TERMS
A researcher at a university kept sending emails and visiting someone's workplace even after a court told her to stop. The person she was bothering got so upset that he went to the police. The researcher was taken to court and had to pay a fine.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHERE DO YOU STAND?
Should courts impose jail time in addition to fines for violating protection orders, to better deter repeat harassment?
👍 👎 Vote ↓A 34-year-old woman’s obsessive behaviour led to court action and a hefty fine in Singapore.
In a recent article by Channel News Asia, a shocking case of stalking by an ex-NTU (Nanyang Technological University) researcher came to light.
Han Xiaobing, a 34-year-old female Chinese national, was fined S$8,000 on 21 August 2024, for stalking a former PhD student.
The victim, a 29-year-old male Chinese national, had helped Han with a research project at NTU when he was a PhD student.
Things took a turn when Han began sending long messages and expressing personal feelings.
The victim felt uncomfortable and tried to stop contact with the female NTU researcher.
On 25 October 2023, the victim got a protection order against Han under the Protection from Harassment Act.
This order told Han to stay away from the victim’s workplace and not contact him.
But Han didn’t listen. She sent 116 emails to the victim’s NTU email from 25 October to 12 December 2023.
Han also tried to visit the victim’s workplace in Fusionpolis.
According to CNA, the prosecution stated, “The victim had gone to the extent of obtaining a protection order, but Han failed to stop her conduct.”
The stalking had a big effect on the victim’s life.
He faced emotional distress due to the NTU researcher’s actions.
The victim had to block all electronic communications from Han in February 2021.
Even after getting the protection order, the harassment didn’t stop.
On 12 December 2023, the victim filed a police report after Han visited his workplace.
| Offense | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Unlawful Stalking | 12 months in jail and/or S$5,000 fine |
| Violating Protection Order | 6 months in jail and/or S$5,000 fine |
Han pleaded guilty in court but didn’t have a lawyer to represent her.
CNA reported that she told the court that “she had been jobless for a year and eight months due to this incident and asked for leniency.”
Despite her plea, the court fined Han S$8,000 for her actions.
If you’re being stalked, here are some steps you can take:
This case highlights the need for stronger measures against stalking in Singapore.
It also shows how important it is to take protection orders seriously.
The emotional impact on stalking victims needs more attention and support.
Stalking is a serious issue that can cause real harm to victims. If you or someone you know is being stalked, don’t hesitate to seek help and report it to the authorities.
Should courts impose jail time in addition to fines for violating protection orders, to better deter repeat harassment?
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