Track and field coach Loh charged with five counts of outrage of modesty

SINGAPORE – Veteran athletics coach Loh Chan Pew, who is also the vice-president (competitions organising) of Singapore Athletics, has been charged with five counts of outrage of modesty.

The 72-year-old was charged in court on Thursday (May 25) with the alleged use of criminal force.

Last August, TODAY reported that the veteran coach had taken a leave of absence from his post due to a police investigation after he was accused of allegedly molesting a former female national athlete in 2010.

According to a report in The Straits Times, court documents state that the incidents involving two victims – who were aged 16 and 18 at the time – occurred from late 2011 to March 2013. Loh was accused of using criminal force and had rubbed the victims’ genitals.

It was also reported that Loh has claimed trial, and had asked for the case to be adjourned so that he can engage a lawyer. He is expected back in court on June 1.

Loh had previously been on a seven-month break from the national sports association due to the investigation, and returned to the fold in March this year.

When contacted by TODAY, Singapore Athletics president Ho Mun Cheong said that Loh had applied for a second leave of absence from his post on Thursday.

A former national sprinter turned coach, Loh – who was also a former deputy superintendent of Prisons – had groomed a number of national athletes, including former national record holder (women’s 100m) Amanda Choo and 400m runner Ng Chin Hui.

Individuals who commit assault or use criminal force to a person with the intent to outrage modesty can be imprisoned for up to two years, fined, or caned, or receive any combined punishment.

Male offenders who are above the age of 50 will not be caned.

Choo, who has known Loh for 15 years, told TODAY that she has no doubt that her former coach “is innocent and will be vindicated”.

“It saddens me to hear that he has been formally charged, and it came as a shock to me when I first heard about the accusations,” she said.

“It also saddens me because he has given his life to athletics, regardless of the challenges and obstacles thrown at him. And to have his reputation tarnished because of these accusations, is disappointing and sad.

Choo said he had never behaved inappropriately with her, and that she had never witnessed any instances where he was out of line with athletes. She added: “Coming from a police background, he's always had a very clear moral compass.

“I am confident that he will be acquitted. I've known him for half my life, I know his shortcomings and strengths. He might have stepped on many toes, but one thing is very clear, he always stands for justice and truth.”